A fast-moving early morning fire destroyed a home on West Lake Boulevard in Mahopac on Wednesday, March 18, displacing a family of four and killing the family dog, authorities said.
The Mahopac Falls Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to the reported residential structure fire at about 6:25 a.m. and arrived to find flames engulfing a garage that had spread to the house. Due to heavy fire conditions and concerns about the blaze extending further, crews launched an aggressive exterior attack.
The homeowners, Louis and Victoria Arocho, were able to escape with their two young daughters, ages 4 and 2, before firefighters arrived, but lost everything, according to a GoFundMe launched the same day.
Seven departments responded under mutual aid, including Mahopac, Carmel, Putnam Valley, Brewster, Yorktown, Kent, and Peekskill. Carmel Volunteer Ambulance Corps, County Medic, Battalion 16 and Carmel Police also assisted at the scene.
The fire caused extensive damage to the structure, including a reported collapse. Officials said the remains of the building ultimately had to be bulldozed.
Firefighters remained on scene for several hours to bring the blaze under control, conduct overhaul operations and secure the area. The Carmel Building Department evaluated the structure, and NYSEG was called to address utilities.
All units cleared the scene by about 12:10 p.m., and the roadway was reopened.
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Putnam County Fire Investigative Team.
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