2/8/2021 Structure fire Jenna Lane. By Greg Forgea
At approximately 1640 on Monday, the East Greenbush Fire Department was alerted for a reported structure fire in the Schodack Center part of our district. First arriving chief officers were confronted with a homeowner who was reporting a fire in the basement. Car 1 (Tooker) took the command, and Cars 3 and 4 (Benson/Lansing) took basement operations while Car 2 (Forgea) took operations.
Basement operations encountered a moderate smoke condition and requested a line off the first due. Engine 7 arrived, stretched the 300ft attack line, and advanced it into the basement. The source of the smoke was quickly found, and the area was checked for any extension. As additional units arrived, Truck 11 took the front of the residence, splitting crews to set up the ladder while the other half checked the second floor and attic for extension.
With the fire deemed under control by command, Rescue 11 staged at a nearby hydrant and Engines 8 and 9 supplied additional manpower. Crews operated on scene for just over an hour with 25 members. Units operating on scene were Cars 1,2,3,4, Engines 7,8,9, Rescue 11, Truck 11, Bus 11, EGPD, SPD, Castleton Ambulance, Town Of Schodack Fire Investigators, and the Town Of Schodack Building Department.
This fire could have been much worse if it wasn't for the quick thinking of the homeowner. The homeowner had a fire extinguisher, knew how to use it and was able to put most of the fire out, preventing major damage. We encourage all homeowners to have, at a minimum, one household extinguisher and know how to use it in the case of a fire. These extinguishers can be purchased at any local hardware store.
