by Bea Peterson and Brian Houle
The Hoosick Falls Police Department and the Hoosick Falls Fire Department responded to an alarm at 65 Abbott Street around 1:30 am Tuesday morning, January 11. Upon arrival small flames could be seen from a rear bedroom. Fire Chief Robert Bornt called immediately for assistance to fight the fire as heavy smoke engulfed the home. A second alarm was cast dispatching Buskirk, North Hoosick, West Hoosick and Johnsonville FD for the fast team led by Chief Shane Napoli. All the occupants left the house safely.
Crews were having a difficult time obtaining water at the scene. Two lines were stretched from arriving trucks and other crews worked very hard to stretch LDH from as far away as two city blocks in preparation of a full out and out structure fire, but due to the quick thinking and operations of Chief Bornt the fire was contained.
According to Bornt, the fire was contained to the living room and an upstairs bedroom wall. “The fire is believed to have started from the wood stove,” he said. The house suffered heavy smoke damage and some water damage. Some fire fighters had to deal with a sparking outlet which was taken care of. All fire and EMS units were cleared by 6 am. The Chief credits the quick arrival and fast work of his crew and the mutual aid they received from other fire departments for saving the rest of the house.
Also on the scene was the Mohawk EMS, the Rensselaer County Cause and Origin Team and the Hoosick Falls Police. The White Creek Fire Department was on standby in the Hoosick Falls quarters.
