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Firefighter

19 Fire Alarms Go Off Almost At Once In Montvale In 'Extremely Rare' Incident 19 Fire Alarms Go Off Almost At Once In Montvale In 'Extremely Rare' Incident 19 Fire Alarms Go Off Almost At Once In Montvale In 'Extremely Rare' Incident
19 Fire Alarms Go Off Almost At Once In Montvale In 'Extremely Rare' Incident Fire alarms went off at 19 buildings across one Bergen County town almost simultaneously early Tuesday morning, Oct. 13, sending firefighters scrambling across town in what officials called an extremely rare incident. The Montvale Volunteer Fire Department began receiving reports of multiple fire alarm activations around 5:15 a.m., according to a statement shared to Facebook. Firefighters quickly determined the alarms were connected to sprinkler systems and changes in water pressure. Veolia had been performing work on the town's water tank and pumps, triggering water flow alarms in 19 …
Driver Injured, Pulled From Wreckage After Head-On Crash In Bedford Driver Injured, Pulled From Wreckage After Head-On Crash In Bedford Driver Injured, Pulled From Wreckage After Head-On Crash In Bedford
Driver Injured, Pulled From Wreckage After Head-On Crash In Bedford Firefighters used specialized rescue equipment to separate two vehicles after a head-on collision left one person trapped inside a car in Northern Westchester. The crash happened on McLain Street in Bedford Hills on Monday, Oct. 12, around 5:30 p.m., according to the Bedford Hills Fire Department.   Firefighters were dispatched to the scene alongside Katonah-Bedford Hills EMS and a Westchester EMS paramedic unit. When crews arrived, they found two vehicles that had collided head-on, with one person needing to be pulled from the wreck.  The department said the rescue was…
Man Killed, Firefighter Burned In Raging PA Apartment Fire; 2 Rescued Man Killed, Firefighter Burned In Raging PA Apartment Fire; 2 Rescued Man Killed, Firefighter Burned In Raging PA Apartment Fire; 2 Rescued
Man Killed, Firefighter Burned In Raging PA Apartment Fire; 2 Rescued A man was killed, a firefighter suffered burns, and two people were rescued from a raging apartment fire that tore through a three-story building in West Philadelphia on Tuesday morning, Oct. 13, according to fire officials and media reports. Firefighters were dispatched to the 4400 block of Chestnut Street, near the intersection of 44th Street in University City, around 6:20 a.m., according to 6ABC Action News. Crews arrived to find heavy smoke and flames pouring from the third floor of the building, with fire spreading through the roof. Aerial footage captured flames shooting into the mo…
Man Killed, Six Others Hospitalized After Early-Morning DC House Fire (UPDATED) Man Killed, Six Others Hospitalized After Early-Morning DC House Fire (UPDATED) Man Killed, Six Others Hospitalized After Early-Morning DC House Fire (UPDATED)
Man Killed, Six Others Hospitalized After Early-Morning DC House Fire (Updated) A man was killed and six others, including three fighting critical injuries, were hospitalized after an early-morning house fire tore through a DC home. The deadly blaze broke out shortly before 5 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 11, in the 600 block of Geranium Street NW, where firefighters arrived to find smoke and flames pouring from both the front and back of a two-story house. The fire in DC Twitter/@dcfireems Crews battled the flames as emergency responders tended to seven victims, including three children. Despite lifesaving efforts, one man was pronounced dead at the scene, DC Fire and…
Plumstead Squatter Sets Fire At Abandoned Home, Injuring Female Firefighter, Prosecutor Says Plumstead Squatter Sets Fire At Abandoned Home, Injuring Female Firefighter, Prosecutor Says Plumstead Squatter Sets Fire At Abandoned Home, Injuring Female Firefighter, Prosecutor Says
Plumstead Squatter Sets Fire At Abandoned Home, Injuring Female Firefighter, Prosecutor Says A 21-year-old man accused of illegally living in an abandoned Jersey Shore home has been charged with setting a fire that injured a firefighter, authorities said. Matthew Waldman,a Plumsted Township resident, was charged Sunday, Oct. 11, in connection with the fire that broke out behind a home on Maple Avenue the previous afternoon, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said. At 4:30 p.m., firefighters and police were called to the property and found flames throughout a detached garage behind the home, Billhimer said. A female firefighter injured her hand while battling the blaze and w…
Boy Among Three Critically Injured As DC House Fire Sends Six To Hospitals (PHOTOS) Boy Among Three Critically Injured As DC House Fire Sends Six To Hospitals (PHOTOS) Boy Among Three Critically Injured As DC House Fire Sends Six To Hospitals (PHOTOS)
Boy Among Three Critically Injured As DC House Fire Sends Six To Hospitals (Photos) Three people, including a child, were critically injured when a fire ripped through a DC home before sunrise, sending six people to the hospital. The blaze broke out shortly before 5 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 11, in the 600 block of Geranium Street NW, where firefighters arrived to find flames and smoke coming from both the front and back of a two-story house. The fire in DC Twitter/@dcfireems A man, woman, and boy suffered the most serious injuries, according to DC Fire and EMS. Another woman and two children were also rushed to hospitals, though their injuries were not considered life…
Flames Engulf Barn In Garrison, Threaten Nearby Buildings, Woods Flames Engulf Barn In Garrison, Threaten Nearby Buildings, Woods Flames Engulf Barn In Garrison, Threaten Nearby Buildings, Woods
Flames Engulf Barn In Garrison, Threaten Nearby Buildings, Woods A massive fire tore through a barn in Putnam County that was being used as a workshop, threatening nearby buildings and woods.   The blaze broke out at 979 Old Albany Post Rd. in Garrison on Thursday, Oct. 8, the Garrison Volunteer Fire Company announced on Friday, Oct. 9.   Firefighters were dispatched to the property at around 7:44 p.m. following a report of a fully involved barn fire. When crews arrived, they found heavy flames consuming the structure, prompting a first alarm and a request for more tankers to help supply water.  The department said crews wo…
Blaze Tears Through Sloatsburg Home, Heavily Damages Roof Blaze Tears Through Sloatsburg Home, Heavily Damages Roof Blaze Tears Through Sloatsburg Home, Heavily Damages Roof
Blaze Tears Through Sloatsburg Home, Heavily Damages Roof A fire broke out in the attic of a Rockland County home, leaving the roof heavily damaged and bringing firefighters from New York and New Jersey to the scene. The blaze happened at 18 Cranberry Rd. in Sloatsburg at around 5:30 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 8, according to the Ramapo Police Department.  Officers first responded to a report of smoke coming from the home. When they arrived, they discovered an active fire in the attic, police said. Firefighters from Sloatsburg, Suffern, Hillburn, and Mahwah responded to battle the flames.  No injuries were reported, according to Ramapo Pol…
Mail Truck Slams Into Haledon Home, Mayor Says Mail Truck Slams Into Haledon Home, Mayor Says Mail Truck Slams Into Haledon Home, Mayor Says
Mail Truck Slams Into Haledon Home, Mayor Says A postal vehicle crashed into a Passaic County home Monday morning, Oct. 5, damaging the house but causing no serious injuries, Haledon Mayor Michael Johnson said. The crash happened in Haledon, where police, firefighters, borough Business Administrator Mohammad Ramadan and Code Enforcement Officer Arianna Claudio responded, according to Johnson. Johnson did not provide additional details about what caused the crash or the extent of the damage.
Everyone Made It Out, But 11 Were Displaced By Two-Alarm Hagerstown Duplex Fire Everyone Made It Out, But 11 Were Displaced By Two-Alarm Hagerstown Duplex Fire Everyone Made It Out, But 11 Were Displaced By Two-Alarm Hagerstown Duplex Fire
Everyone Made It Out, But 11 Were Displaced By Two-Alarm Hagerstown Duplex Fire There was no telling who might still be inside as flames tore through both sides of a Maryland duplex. The fire broke out shortly after 4:20 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 4, on Clarendon Avenue in Hagerstown's West End, where firefighters arrived to find the second floor of the two-family home engulfed. The flames were threatening a neighboring house, and firefighters did not yet know whether everyone had made it out. That sent crews into both sides of the duplex to search for anyone still inside while more help was called to the scene and the fire grew to two alarms. The searches came back clear.…
Resident Burned Trying To Fight Candle-Sparked Fire Inside Silver Spring High-Rise Resident Burned Trying To Fight Candle-Sparked Fire Inside Silver Spring High-Rise Resident Burned Trying To Fight Candle-Sparked Fire Inside Silver Spring High-Rise
Resident Burned Trying To Fight Candle-Sparked Fire Inside Silver Spring High-Rise A candle left burning in a closet quickly became more than one Maryland resident could handle. The fire broke out at around 10:15 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 2, inside an eighth-floor apartment at Blair Plaza Apartments on Blair Mill Road in Silver Spring, according to Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service officials. A 911 caller reported flames inside a closet, prompting a massive response to the 15-story building that was not equipped with sprinklers. Approximately 70 firefighters responded as crews made their way into the eighth-floor unit, where they found an active fire and kept the fl…
90-Year-Old Killed In Jersey City Fire: Prosecutor 90-Year-Old Killed In Jersey City Fire: Prosecutor 90-Year-Old Killed In Jersey City Fire: Prosecutor
90-Year-Old Killed In Jersey City Fire: Prosecutor A 90-year-old woman was killed in a fire in Jersey City Thursday afternoon, Oct. 1, authorities said. At 5:10 p.m., the Jersey City Fire Department responded to a fire at 81 Boyd Ave. and located heavy fire coming from a single-family home, the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office said. Zenaida Mojica was removed from the residence and pronounced dead soon after, authorities said. Two men and a firefighter sustained non-life-threatening injuries, authorities said. Nineteen people were displaced, authorities said. The cause and origin of the fire are being investigated by the Hudson County Reg…
'Wedding Crashers': Loudoun Firefighters Make Surprise Appearance At Virginia Couple's Big Day 'Wedding Crashers': Loudoun Firefighters Make Surprise Appearance At Virginia Couple's Big Day 'Wedding Crashers': Loudoun Firefighters Make Surprise Appearance At Virginia Couple's Big Day
'Wedding Crashers': Loudoun Firefighters Make Surprise Appearance At Virginia Couple's Big Day A Virginia couple had already invited everyone they wanted at their wedding. Loudoun County firefighters apparently didn’t get the memo. Crews from Kirkpatrick Farms Fire Station 27 were called to a fire alarm during a recent wedding celebration, briefly putting the festivities on hold and bringing some unexpected guests to the big day. Fortunately, there was no wedding-day disaster waiting for the responding B-shift crew. Instead, firefighters got a chance to meet the newlyweds, who were still dressed for the occasion, and pose for a memorable photo in front of an engine with its emergen…
Photos Show Crane Collapse Crushing 2 River Vale Homes Photos Show Crane Collapse Crushing 2 River Vale Homes Photos Show Crane Collapse Crushing 2 River Vale Homes
Photos Show Crane Collapse Crushing 2 River Vale Homes A crane collapse damaged two homes in Bergen County Thursday, Sept. 17. Firefighters said no injuries were reported in the incident on Sunnyhill Terrace in River Vale, however, one cat was rescued from the home. Newscopter footage from NBC New York shows a crane stretched over the roof of one home on Sunnyhill Terrace in River Vale and landing on top of a neighboring home. The truck that the crane is attached to was flipped on its side. BREAKING: Crane overturns in River Vale, NJ slicing through a home ... https://t.co/Drp897cHVS pic.twitter.com/dLG32jj2Vu — Steven Bognar (@Bogs4N…
Early-Morning Fire Damages Fair Lawn Bagel Shop, Neighboring Business Early-Morning Fire Damages Fair Lawn Bagel Shop, Neighboring Business Early-Morning Fire Damages Fair Lawn Bagel Shop, Neighboring Business
Early-Morning Fire Damages Fair Lawn Bagel Shop, Neighboring Business A worker opening a Bergen County bagel shop was met with heavy smoke early Tuesday morning, Sept. 15, leading to a fire response that drew about 35 firefighters, officials said. The worker at Hot Bagel on Saddle River Road in Fair Lawn called 911 at 3:23 a.m. after discovering the smoke, Fair Lawn Fire Department Public Information Officer Douglas Sadowski said. Assistant Fire Chief Marc Palmieri arrived to find smoke coming from the business and called for a full first-alarm assignment, bringing firefighters from all four Fair Lawn fire companies. The Fair Lawn Rescue Squad, Fair Lawn…
Who Torched This Maryland Church? ATF Offers $5K Reward As Arson Hunt Heats Up Who Torched This Maryland Church? ATF Offers $5K Reward As Arson Hunt Heats Up Who Torched This Maryland Church? ATF Offers $5K Reward As Arson Hunt Heats Up
Who Torched This Maryland Church? ATF Offers $5K Reward As Arson Hunt Heats Up Someone deliberately set fire to a Maryland church, investigators say. Now, nearly a month later, federal authorities are putting up cash to find whoever did it. The Aug. 5 fire at the Church of the Nazarene on Houston Branch Road in Federalsburg has been ruled arson following an extensive investigation by the Maryland State Fire Marshal's Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, officials announced on Friday, Sept. 4. ATF is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of whoever was responsible. The fir…
Car Bursts Into Flames On Saw Mill River Parkway In Ardsley Car Bursts Into Flames On Saw Mill River Parkway In Ardsley Car Bursts Into Flames On Saw Mill River Parkway In Ardsley
Car Bursts Into Flames On Saw Mill River Parkway In Ardsley A car fire temporarily shut down lanes of the Saw Mill River Parkway in Westchester County.  The fire broke out at around 2:30 p.m. on the northbound side of the parkway in Ardsley on Monday, Aug. 31, according to the Irvington Volunteer Fire Department.   When Irvington fire crews arrived, Westchester County Police shut down the northbound lanes so crews could safely battle the blaze, the department said.  Firefighters extinguished the blaze. The department did not report any injuries.  The cause of the fire was not immediately available. 
2-Alarm Beach Haven Fire Emits Plumes Of Smoke: FD 2-Alarm Beach Haven Fire Emits Plumes Of Smoke: FD 2-Alarm Beach Haven Fire Emits Plumes Of Smoke: FD
2-Alarm Beach Haven Fire Emits Plumes Of Smoke: FD Firefighters battled a two-alarm fire in Beach Haven Monday afternoon, Aug. 24, authorities said. At 4:34 p.m., firefighters responded to a structure fire at 211 Leeward Ave., a three-story wood frame home,  Beach Haven Volunteer Fire Company said. While en route, firefighters saw a column of smoke in the area and tolled a second alarm, fire officials said. Firefighters stretched two lines and were eventually able to bring the fire under control, fire officials said. The fire was turned over to the Ocean County Fire Marshal’s office for investigation, firefighters said. No injuri…
Tractor-Trailer Erupts In Flames On I-84 In Southington, Drawing Tanker Response Tractor-Trailer Erupts In Flames On I-84 In Southington, Drawing Tanker Response Tractor-Trailer Erupts In Flames On I-84 In Southington, Drawing Tanker Response
Tractor-Trailer Erupts In Flames On I-84 In Southington, Drawing Tanker Response A tractor-trailer burst into flames on I-84, forcing firefighters to call for more water and foam as crews beat back the intense blaze.  The fire broke out around 12:55 a.m. in the eastbound lanes between Exits 32 and 33 in Southington.  Crews found the detached Amazon trailer fully engulfed in fire. The cab had pulled away, leaving the driver safe.  The fire was so intense that firefighters needed extra water and foam to contain it. South Kensington sent a tanker to help crews at the scene. Officials do not believe any dangerous chemicals were in the truck.
Car Erupts In Flames On Long Island Highway: Firefighters Car Erupts In Flames On Long Island Highway: Firefighters Car Erupts In Flames On Long Island Highway: Firefighters
Car Erupts In Flames On Long Island Highway: Firefighters A car went up in flames on a Long Island highway on Tuesday, Aug. 18, according to emergency responders. The vehicle caught fire around 12:30 p.m. on the Sunken Meadow Parkway near Exit SM1, the Commack Fire Department said. Firefighters arrived and extinguished the blaze without incident, officials said. No injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation, News 12 Long Island reported. A photo from the scene showed the car smoking on the side of the road with firefighters surrounding it. A fire engine was parked in the grass next to the highway.
Hero Firefighter Revives Large Dog Saved From Burning Germantown Home Hero Firefighter Revives Large Dog Saved From Burning Germantown Home Hero Firefighter Revives Large Dog Saved From Burning Germantown Home
Hero Firefighter Revives Large Dog Saved From Burning Germantown Home Two dogs were saved from a Maryland townhouse fire on Sunday, Aug. 16. Crews were dispatched to the 20100 block of Club Hill Drive in Germantown at approximately 5:17 p.m. after a neighbor spotted smoke coming from the middle-of-the-row townhouse, according to Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service officials. Firefighters arrived to find a kitchen fire burning on the first floor with flames extending upstairs, prompting a response that ultimately brought approximately 50 firefighters to the scene. As crews worked through the home, they found both dogs inside and carried them to saf…
Box Truck Slams Into Pole In Front Of Walmart In Airmont, Driver Injured Box Truck Slams Into Pole In Front Of Walmart In Airmont, Driver Injured Box Truck Slams Into Pole In Front Of Walmart In Airmont, Driver Injured
Box Truck Slams Into Pole In Front Of Walmart In Airmont, Driver Injured A truck driver was injured after crashing into a pole in front of a Walmart in Rockland County.  The crash happened on Monday afternoon, July 27, when a box truck hit a utility pole on Route 59 in front of the Walmart in Airmont, according to Ramapo Police. Firefighters used specialized equipment to rescue the driver from the wreckage, police said. The driver sustained minor injuries.  Police did not say what caused the crash. 
Roof Collapse, 2nd Alarm Issued As Massive Ellicott City Townhouse Fire Injures Firefighters Roof Collapse, 2nd Alarm Issued As Massive Ellicott City Townhouse Fire Injures Firefighters Roof Collapse, 2nd Alarm Issued As Massive Ellicott City Townhouse Fire Injures Firefighters
Roof Collapse, 2nd Alarm Issued As Massive Ellicott City Townhouse Fire Injures Firefighters A quiet Monday morning erupted into chaos as flames ripped through two Maryland townhouses, forcing firefighters into a defensive battle against a rapidly spreading blaze. The fire broke out around 6:40 a.m. on Monday, July 27, in the 2600 block of Legends Way in Ellicott City, where Howard County firefighters responded after multiple 911 callers reported seeing smoke near Turf Valley Resort. As crews searched the area, they found heavy fire already burning through the roof of a townhouse. The blaze had grown so intense that commanders quickly struck a second alarm. Ellicott City | 260…
Blaze Destroys Car On Putnam Valley Road Blaze Destroys Car On Putnam Valley Road Blaze Destroys Car On Putnam Valley Road
Blaze Destroys Car On Putnam Valley Road A vehicle was destroyed in an overnight fire in Putnam County — but everyone inside escaped.  The incident happened at around 1 a.m. on Thursday, July 16, when firefighters were dispatched to a reported vehicle fire on Canopus Hollow Road in Putnam Valley, according to the Putnam Valley Volunteer Fire Department. When firefighters arrived, they found the vehicle fully engulfed in flames.  Fortunately, everyone inside had gotten out of the vehicle before emergency crews reached the scene. Firefighters brought the blaze under control and extinguished it without incident, according…
Early Morning Fire Displaces Nine People In Red Bank: Red Cross Early Morning Fire Displaces Nine People In Red Bank: Red Cross Early Morning Fire Displaces Nine People In Red Bank: Red Cross
Early Morning Fire Displaces Nine People In Red Bank: Red Cross A structure fire severely damaged a home in Red Bank on Thursday morning, July 9. At 2:33 a.m., firefighters responded to the home on Chestnut Street for the blaze, which required all Red Bank units and other departments providing mutual aid, the Red Bank Fire Department said. The Red Cross said it assisted in nine people in two families with emergency assistance for temporary lodging, food, clothing, other immediate needs. 
60 Cars Destroyed As Fire, Explosions Rip Through Auto Auction Lot In Templeton 60 Cars Destroyed As Fire, Explosions Rip Through Auto Auction Lot In Templeton 60 Cars Destroyed As Fire, Explosions Rip Through Auto Auction Lot In Templeton
60 Cars Destroyed As Fire, Explosions Rip Through Auto Auction Lot In Templeton Dozens of cars burned and were destroyed when a fire tore through a central Massachusetts auto auction yard.  A 911 call sent firefighters rushing to the three-alarm blaze at Insurance Auto Auctions on Baldwinville Road in Templeton at around 2 a.m. Thursday, July 2. Crews rushed to find multiple vehicles fully engulfed in flames. Firefighters from several regional departments responded to get the blaze under control.  Gardner firefighters said that about 60 cars were destroyed. No injuries have been reported.  Multiple vehicles were scheduled for an auction at…
2-Alarm Fire Emits Heavy Smoke: Mount Arlington FD 2-Alarm Fire Emits Heavy Smoke: Mount Arlington FD 2-Alarm Fire Emits Heavy Smoke: Mount Arlington FD
2-Alarm Fire Emits Heavy Smoke: Mount Arlington FD A two-alarm fire sent plumes of smoke into the sky in Mount Arlington Tuesday, June 16, authorities said. At 6:15 p.m., firefighters responded to a structure fire on Howard Blvd. and found heavy fire and smoke showing, Mount Arlington Fire & Rescue said. A second alarm was immediately tolled, requesting additional units to the scene, firefighters said. Firefighters stretched multiple companies as they worked to extinguish the fire that spread throughout the residence, fire officials said. All occupants were evacuated from the residence, firefighters said. The fire was eventually k…
Driver Hospitalized After Car Flips Against Tree In Putnam Valley Driver Hospitalized After Car Flips Against Tree In Putnam Valley Driver Hospitalized After Car Flips Against Tree In Putnam Valley
Driver Hospitalized After Car Flips Against Tree In Putnam Valley A driver was taken to a hospital after a crash in Putnam County that left a vehicle perched on its side against a tree.  The crash happened in Putnam Valley on Monday, June 15, when firefighters responded to Peekskill Hollow Road just before 5:20 p.m. and found the vehicle rolled over on its side. The trapped driver had to be rescued, firefighters said. They were later taken to a hospital to be evaluated, according to the department.  More details about the cause of the crash were not immediately available. 
Two-Alarm House Fire In White Meadow Lake: FD Two-Alarm House Fire In White Meadow Lake: FD Two-Alarm House Fire In White Meadow Lake: FD
Two-Alarm House Fire In White Meadow Lake: FD A two-alarm house fire in Morris County sent plumes of smoke into the sky on Wednesday, June 10, authorities said. At 1:20 p.m., an officer reported heavy smoke on White Meadow Road in White Meadow Lake, as first responders began receiving 911 calls reporting a blaze, White Meadow Lake Fire Company #5 said. Firefighters arrived on scene and confirmed heavy fire conditions in the back of the residence, prompting a second alarm to be tolled, requesting additional units to the scene, fire officials said. An aggressive fire attack was launched and the blaze was eventually brought under co…
Firefighter Hurt, Residents Displaced After House Fire In Larchmont Firefighter Hurt, Residents Displaced After House Fire In Larchmont Firefighter Hurt, Residents Displaced After House Fire In Larchmont
Firefighter Hurt, Residents Displaced After House Fire In Larchmont A firefighter was injured and several residents were forced from their home after a fire broke out at a residence in Westchester County, officials said.  The fire began at around 4:49 p.m. on Tuesday, June 9, at a home located at 1 Mayhew Ave. in the Village of Larchmont, according to the Larchmont Fire Department.  Crews arrived at the scene within about three minutes and found smoke coming from the second floor of the residence.  Firefighters first confirmed that everyone inside had safely left the home before moving in to put out the visible flames and check for exte…
Pets Rescued, Firefighter Hurt In Massive 3-Alarm House Fire In Newburgh Pets Rescued, Firefighter Hurt In Massive 3-Alarm House Fire In Newburgh Pets Rescued, Firefighter Hurt In Massive 3-Alarm House Fire In Newburgh
Pets Rescued, Firefighter Hurt In Massive 3-Alarm House Fire In Newburgh A three-alarm house fire in Orange County displaced residents, injured a firefighter, and prompted a large mutual aid response from across the Hudson Valley.  The blaze broke out at around 9 p.m. on Friday, June 5, at a home on Fox Hill Road in the Town of Newburgh portion of the Plattekill Fire District, according to the Plattekill Fire Department.  While responding, the first arriving crews saw a "significant column" of smoke and flames, prompting the incident to be upgraded to a second alarm.  Shortly after crews arrived, deteriorating conditions and reports that an elder…