Croton Falls firefighters provide aid at back-to-back blazes

NORTH SALEM, N.Y. - Members of the Croton Falls Fire Department (CFFD) provided mutual aid at two working structure fires on consecutive nights this month in Carmel and Somers.

On Friday night, Jan. 23, at approximately 9:30 p.m., Croton Falls firefighters were requested to assist the Carmel Fire Department at a residential structure fire on DeLuca Lane. CFFD responded on the initial dispatch with Cars 2071, 2072 and 2073, Engine 148 and Utility 28. While operations were underway, Tanker 88 was later requested to the scene to provide additional water supply.

Upon arrival, Croton Falls members assisted with primary searches, fire suppression and overhaul operations. The fire caused significant damage to the home, rendering it unlivable, though no injuries were reported. Officials later indicated the blaze is believed to have originated in the chimney and was investigated by the Putnam County Bureau of Emergency Services.

The home belonged to a Carmel police officer and his family, who have since received an outpouring of community support through fundraisers and donations. Croton Falls units operated on scene for approximately two and a half hours. While CFFD crews were committed in Carmel, the Golden’s Bridge Fire Department covered calls within the Croton Falls district.

Just after 9 p.m. the following night, Saturday, Jan. 24, Croton Falls firefighters assisted the Somers Volunteer Fire Department at a working house fire in the Somers Chase Complex.

First-arriving Somers units found smoke showing from the structure and quickly stretched a handline, while a second-due engine secured a water supply. As conditions developed, a 10-75 Working Structure Fire was transmitted, prompting a response from multiple mutual aid departments. During an interior search, crews discovered an active fire burning inside a wall cavity near the home’s fireplace. Firefighters opened the wall and extinguished the hidden fire, preventing further extension.

Croton Falls personnel operated on scene for approximately an hour before returning to service. Additional assistance was provided by departments from Bedford Hills, Goldens Bridge, Katonah and Yorktown, along with Westchester County Department of Emergency Services Battalion 13. Peekskill EMS Rehab and Westchester EMS units supported operations. No injuries were reported, and the scene was later turned over to the town Building Department.

The back-to-back responses underscored the importance of mutual aid among local fire departments, with Croton Falls firefighters playing a critical role in supporting neighboring agencies and ensuring both incidents were brought under control safely.

To learn more about the Croton Falls Fire Department, including volunteer opportunities, visit crotonfallsfire.com