by Steve Bradley
Just after 5 am last Thursday, an alarm came in for a fire on Route 67 in North Hoosick. Joe Wolfrum’s house, located just north of Performance Auto Body, was a fully involved fire when North Hoosick firefighters arrived. With no easy access to a nearby water supply, firefighters used truck water as best they could to slow the blaze. [private]While responders were doing this, other responders ran a large hose from the pond next to the old Top Hat building almost one-half mile away to provide a constant water source. The large hose pumped through four firetrucks spaced hundreds of feet apart, with the last truck in the line at the scene. The water was then distributed to smaller lines at the home by the last truck. When this water became available, the fire was quickly brought under control.
The home was a total loss. It is believed that a heat tape wrap on a water pipe, left active after the arrival of warmer weather, was to blame. No one was injured in the blaze, as Wolfrum was able to quickly move his family out of the home. The North Hoosick, Buskirk, Hoosick, Hoosick Falls, Cambridge, Shaftsbury, and others responded. Hoosick Falls and Cambridge Rescue Squads were on scene, along with the Rensselaer County Fire Investigation team.
The family lost everything they owned in the fire. If you would like to help, funds can be donated through the North Hoosick Fire Department, please write “Wolfrum Fire” on the memo line. If you would be able to help the family, toys, books and diapers would be appreciated. Joe’s daughter is 1½ years old and likes dolls. Joe’s son, age 10, likes dinosaurs and books about dinosaurs and learning things. Joe could use household items to get their new location functioning.
Dinner Planned
On Saturday, June 13, with a 4:30 pm start, the North Hoosick Fire Department will hold a benefit dinner to help out the Wolfrums. Tickets are available at Jean’s Place on Route 67 in North Hoosick or contact Alan Bornt at 378-4538.[/private]