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Firefighting

NY Firefighter, Father Of 3 Killed In Blaze Remembered As 'Fearless, Dedicated' Public Servant NY Firefighter, Father Of 3 Killed In Blaze Remembered As 'Fearless, Dedicated' Public Servant
NY Firefighter, Father Of 3 Killed In Blaze Remembered As 'Fearless, Dedicated' Public Servant A firefighter and father of three who was killed battling a blaze in upstate New York is being remembered for his dedication to the community. Binghamton Fire Department member John “JR” Gaudet, 40, was gravely injured when a wall collapsed during a firefight on the city’s Main Street on Wednesday night, Feb. 12, the agency confirmed. The 11-year veteran of the department later died at Wilson Hospital. Two other firefighters were hospitalized and listed in stable condition. Gaudet’s untimely loss sparked a flood of tributes, including from his brothers and sisters in uniform. “JR embodied…
Lifelong Firefighter, Retired Bus Driver From Hudson Valley Dies Lifelong Firefighter, Retired Bus Driver From Hudson Valley Dies
Lifelong Firefighter, Retired Bus Driver From Hudson Valley Dies A fire department in Rockland County is remembering Douglas Mackey, a life member and past president of the S.W. Johnson Fire Company, who died on Thursday, Feb. 7 at the age of 87.  Mackey, a cherished member of the West Haverstraw community and the S.W. Johnson Fire Company, was known for his dedication to the fire service and numerous contributions to his community.  As a life member and past president of the S.W. Johnson Fire Company, Mackey played a key role in designing and constructing the firehouse on Bridge Street in Garnerville. His commitment extended beyond leader…
Past President Of Fire Company In Hudson Valley Dies: 'Will Be Remembered' Past President Of Fire Company In Hudson Valley Dies: 'Will Be Remembered'
Past President Of Fire Company In Hudson Valley Dies: 'Will Be Remembered' The Rockland community is mourning the loss of Michael Flannery, a dedicated life member and past president of the New City Fire Engine Co. No. 1, who died on Monday, Feb. 3 at the age of 85. Flannery's death was announced by his former company on Friday, Feb. 8:  "His quiet demeanor and friendly smile, as well as his dedication to the fire company and the residents of New City, will be remembered by many," the company wrote on social media. Flannery joined the department in October 1976 and quickly became an integral part of its operations, serving on several key committees, includin…
2 Firefighters Injured While Battling Blaze In Orange County, Residents Evacuated 2 Firefighters Injured While Battling Blaze In Orange County, Residents Evacuated
2 Firefighters Injured While Battling Blaze In Orange County, Residents Evacuated Two firefighters suffered minor injuries while battling a large fire that tore through a residence in Orange County late Friday night, Jan. 31, fire officials said.  The blaze began in Newburgh just before 11:20 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 31, when crews were dispatched to a blaze in the area of the Montefiore St. Luke's Cornwall Hospital employee parking lot. Arriving firefighters encountered heavy smoke, eventually tracing the blaze to 74 Farrington St. Due to the deterioration of the structure, firefighters had to fight the fire from the outside using master stream devices. …
Truck Torched, Tires Slashed: Man Jailed For Arson in Dramatic Monroe Incident Truck Torched, Tires Slashed: Man Jailed For Arson in Dramatic Monroe Incident
Truck Torched, Tires Slashed: Man Jailed For Arson in Dramatic Monroe Incident A 25-year-old man from Orange County will spend years in prison after admitting to setting a truck on fire and endangering lives during a dangerous confrontation.  Tyler Regan, of Monroe, was sentenced to 3.5 to 7 years in prison on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, after pleading guilty to third-degree arson, Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced on Tuesday, Jan. 28.  According to Hoovler, the charges stem from a July 20, 2024, incident in Monroe. Just after midnight, Regan drove to a residence and punctured the tires of a truck parked in the driveway. After leav…
'It Started So Quick': 3 Killed, 2 Injured In 'Hoarding'-Fueled House Fire In NY 'It Started So Quick': 3 Killed, 2 Injured In 'Hoarding'-Fueled House Fire In NY
'It Started So Quick': 3 Killed, 2 Injured In 'Hoarding'-Fueled House Fire In NY A family is reeling after three people were killed and two others were hospitalized following a fast-moving house fire in Upstate New York. Multiple agencies were called to a Colonie residence on Locust Park shortly before 8 p.m. Monday, Jan. 27. Firefighters and police arrived to find the home fully engulfed in flames and multiple residents trapped inside, Colonie Police said. Despite the efforts of first responders, three people died and two others were taken by ambulance to Albany Medical Center Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, police said. The victims had not been publicly …
New LA Wildfires Update: Death Toll Hits 16, With 40,000 Acres, 12,000 Structures Destroyed New LA Wildfires Update: Death Toll Hits 16, With 40,000 Acres, 12,000 Structures Destroyed
New LA Wildfires Update: Death Toll Hits 16, With 40,000 Acres, 12,000 Structures Destroyed The number of confirmed deaths from six separate wildfires in the Los Angeles area has climbed to 16. The situation remains dire, with at least another 16 people still reported missing, and authorities anticipate that this number may increase as the search continues. The wildfires have destroyed 40,000 acres -- more than twice the size of Manhattan and almost the size of Washington, DC, while The creating apocalyptic scenes that seem straight from a horror movie. More than 12,000 structures have been destroyed. A red flag warnings for dangerous fire conditions through Wednesday, Jan.…
32-Year-Old Former Child Star Among Those Killed In LA Wildfires 32-Year-Old Former Child Star Among Those Killed In LA Wildfires
32-Year-Old Former Child Star Among Those Killed In LA Wildfires A former child star and motivational speaker is among the victims of the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, his family has confirmed. Click here for a new, updated story - Death Toll Hits 16, With 40,000 Acres, 12,000 Structures Destroyed Rory Sykes, 32, an Australian who gained media attention as a boy for sharing his experiences living with disabilities, died on Wednesday, Jan. 8, at his family’s estate in Malibu, his mother, Shelley Sykes, announced in a post on X. “It is with great sadness that I have to announce the death of my beautiful son @Rorysykes to the Malibu fires yeste…
Jennings Fire Near Containment As Governor Mobilizes Multi-Agency Response Jennings Fire Near Containment As Governor Mobilizes Multi-Agency Response
Jennings Fire Near Containment As Governor Mobilizes Multi-Agency Response As the wildfires continue to burn across the state and in the Hudson Valley, Gov. Kathy Hochul outlined the extensive efforts to combat them, highlighting the crucial roles played by local and national agencies in tackling the blazes. On Wednesday, Nov. 20, Hochul provided an update on the ongoing wildfire situation in the state, prompting a robust response from more than 400 fire departments and over 1,300 personnel.  These teams have worked tirelessly to contain fires in Orange and Ulster counties, closely coordinating with local fire departments and first responders. Hochul said th…
New Hudson Valley Fire Station Celebrates Opening New Hudson Valley Fire Station Celebrates Opening
New Hudson Valley Fire Station Celebrates Opening Hundreds of residents, city officials, and firefighters turned out to unveil a fire department's new station, which consolidates three stations into one. The event occurred in Dutchess County on Saturday, Nov. 16, in Beacon. According to Beacon Mayor Lee Kyriacou, the new central station for the Beacon Fire Department, located at the “gateway” to Beacon on Route 9D opposite City Hall, represents the culmination of decades of studies and plans to consolidate three fire stations into one central location. Kyriacou said the 17,000-square-foot facility, which costs $14.7 mi…
Jennings Creek Wildfire Update: Blaze Mostly Contained Week Later Jennings Creek Wildfire Update: Blaze Mostly Contained Week Later
Jennings Creek Wildfire Update: Blaze Mostly Contained Week Later After almost one whole week, the Jennings Creek Wildfire had been 75% contained on Thursday, Nov. 14, officials said. The wildfire continues to burn across Passaic County, NJ, and into Orange County, NY, with the New Jersey Forest Fire Service and New York Department of Environmental Conservation leading containment efforts. The fire has burned 2,283 acres in New Jersey. While no structures are currently threatened or evacuated in New Jersey, residents are advised to avoid the area. Road closures remain in effect on East Shore Road from Awosting Road to Greenwood Lake Turnpike, as well as B…
Governor Provides Update On Wildfires In Orange County Governor Provides Update On Wildfires In Orange County
Governor Provides Update On Wildfires In Orange County As the wildfires continue to burn across the Hudson Valley, Gov. Kathy Hochul updated what's being done to mitigate and contain them. On Tuesday, Nov. 12, Hochul said a multi-agency response had been deployed to fires in Orange and Ulster counties in close coordination with local fire departments and first responders.  According to Hochul, an aerial investigation shows the Orange County fire named the Jennings Creek/Sterling State Park wildfire in New York and New Jersey now encompasses 5,000 acres, half of which is in New York, and is 10 percent contained in both states. The fire in …
Massive Wildfire In Hudson Valley Spreads To 600 Acres Massive Wildfire In Hudson Valley Spreads To 600 Acres
Massive Wildfire In Hudson Valley Spreads To 600 Acres A massive wildfire in the Hudson Valley is now 95 percent contained as firefighters continue establishing a control line to try and gain full containment.  The Whitehouse Fire in Ulster County in Denning had grown to 630 areas as of late Monday, Nov. 11. Metzger said Tuesday, Nov. 12, firefighters from the state Department of Environmental Conservation and more than 200 volunteer firefighters from Ulster, Sullivan, and Greene counties continue to work toward full containment. "Burn bans are in effect in every municipality in Ulster County, and outdoor burning is prohibited," Ulst…
West Milford Wildfire Swells To 3,500 Acres As Firefighters Battle Fierce Winds West Milford Wildfire Swells To 3,500 Acres As Firefighters Battle Fierce Winds
West Milford Wildfire Swells To 3,500 Acres As Firefighters Battle Fierce Winds The Jennings Creek Wildfire, now spanning 3,500 acres across Passaic County, NJ, and Orange County, NY, is only 20% contained, with strong winds and low humidity posing continued risks for rapid spread.  The New Jersey Forest Fire Service and New York’s Division of Forest Protection and Fire Management are working in unified command to strengthen containment lines in preparation for tomorrow’s forecasted weather. Firefighters focused efforts Tuesday, Nov. 12 on reinforcing the eastern containment line, using controlled burns to remove unburned pockets of fuel.  Resources deployed…
Remembering Dariel Vasquez: 18, HS Baseball Captain Killed In Sterling Forest Wildfire Remembering Dariel Vasquez: 18, HS Baseball Captain Killed In Sterling Forest Wildfire
Remembering Dariel Vasquez: 18, HS Baseball Captain Killed In Sterling Forest Wildfire Shock and sadness spread following the death of 18-year-old firefighter Dariel Vasquez, who was killed on Saturday, Nov. 9, while bravely battling the Jennings Creek Wildfire that spread from New Jersey into Greenwood Lake, New York.  Vasquez, a young Parks and Recreation Aide with the New York State Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Department, lost his life in the line of duty, a heartbreaking end to a life full of promise and service. New York State Police are investigating the circumstances of his death. Known as a rising star in his community, Dariel was a former R…
School Bus Goes Up In Flames In Hudson Valley School Bus Goes Up In Flames In Hudson Valley
School Bus Goes Up In Flames In Hudson Valley A busy road in the region was temporarily closed as crews battled a school bus fire.  The blaze happened on Thursday afternoon, Nov. 7 in Northern Westchester County when the bus caught on fire in Valhalla on Grasslands Road (Route 100), according to the Valhalla Fire Department. Luckily, no students were aboard the bus at the time and no injuries were reported. The blaze was quickly put out and the bus was removed from the road, the department said, adding that the roadway was then reopened to traffic. 
Large Brush Fire Breaks Out At Harriman State Park Large Brush Fire Breaks Out At Harriman State Park
Large Brush Fire Breaks Out At Harriman State Park For two days, numerous Hudson Valley fire departments battled a stubborn brush fire atop Nordkop Mountain. The fire occurred in Rockland County on Saturday, Oct. 26, and Sunday, Oct. 27, in Harriman State Park in Hillburn. The Hillburn Fire Department, with the assistance of several fire departments and New York State Park rangers, battled the blaze that consumed acres. According to the Hillburn Fire Department, firefighters cut fire lines and worked to put out the blaze, which they described as "difficult and stubborn." The department said the fire was contained on Sunday, and park range…
Major Brush Fire In Hudson Valley Spreads Smoke For Miles Major Brush Fire In Hudson Valley Spreads Smoke For Miles
Major Brush Fire In Hudson Valley Spreads Smoke For Miles A major brush fire over at least a dozen acres in the Hudson Valley produced smoke that spread across the New York border into Connecticut. The blaze broke out at around 12:05 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 26 in Putnam County in the area of Route 301 and East Boyds Road in the town of Kent and was finally contained late in the day on Sunday, Oct. 27. While responding, crews observed a large fire on the mountain and immediately requested mutual aid from neighboring departments, according to the Kent Fire Department.  Responding crews located the large brushfire of approximately 5 to 6 acres…
Large Brush Fire Erupts In Hudson Valley Near Country Club Large Brush Fire Erupts In Hudson Valley Near Country Club
Large Brush Fire Erupts In Hudson Valley Near Country Club Several fire and police departments are battling a large brush fire near a country club in the Hudson Valley.  The fire began in Putnam County on Thursday, Oct. 24 around 11:30 a.m. in the area of Golf Ridge Road and China Circle Court near the Sedgewood Club golf course in the town of Kent, the Putnam County Bureau of Emergency Services announced around 12:45 p.m.  Several departments are now operating at the scene of the fire. A Department of Environmental Protection helicopter is also circling the skies over the blaze providing images from the air, officials said.  M…
Car Fire Extends To Surrounding Woods In Hudson Valley Car Fire Extends To Surrounding Woods In Hudson Valley
Car Fire Extends To Surrounding Woods In Hudson Valley A blaze that consumed a vehicle in the Hudson Valley became even worse after it extended to the surrounding woods. The incident happened in Putnam County on Wednesday, July 10 just after 9:30 p.m., when a car caught on fire in Carmel in the area of Gipsy Trail Road, according to the Lake Carmel Fire Department. Arriving crews soon discovered that the blaze had extended to the surrounding woods. Despite the complication, firefighters were able to quickly put out the flames with help from the Frozen Fun Ice Cream Truck, which helped crews at the scene by providing them with frozen treats.…
NY Veteran's Lifelong 'Secret' Revealed In Heartbreaking Obituary Going Viral NY Veteran's Lifelong 'Secret' Revealed In Heartbreaking Obituary Going Viral
NY Veteran's Lifelong 'Secret' Revealed In Heartbreaking Obituary Going Viral A decorated veteran and retired firefighter from upstate New York is going viral for his heartbreaking posthumous revelation. Lifelong Rensselaer County resident Col. Edward Thomas Ryan, of Rensselaer, died with a long-kept secret that rendered him “afraid of being ostracized,” he wrote in his own obituary, which was published in the Albany Times Union on Saturday, June 8. "I must tell you one more thing. I was gay all my life: thru grade school, thru high school, thru college, thru life,” Ryan wrote. “I'm sorry for not having the courage to come out as gay. I was afraid of being ostraciz…
Blaze Sparks At Northern Westchester Restaurant Blaze Sparks At Northern Westchester Restaurant
Blaze Sparks At Northern Westchester Restaurant A blaze at a Northern Westchester restaurant was stopped from being worse than it could have been thanks to the quick actions of firefighters.  The fire happened on Monday, June 6 just after 2:30 a.m. at Coral Seafood Restaurant in Yorktown Heights at 63 Route 6, according to the Mahopac Volunteer Fire Department, which helped respond to the blaze.  Thanks to the work of fire crews, more extensive damage to the building was prevented, the department said.  The cause of the fire was not released. 
Hudson Valley Apartment Fire Injures 2, Leaves 50 Homeless Hudson Valley Apartment Fire Injures 2, Leaves 50 Homeless
Hudson Valley Apartment Fire Injures 2, Leaves 50 Homeless A resident and a firefighter were injured during a fire at a three-story Hudson Valley apartment building. The blaze occurred in Rockland County around 9:30 p.m., Monday, April 22, at the Surrey Carlton Apartments on Ewing Avenue in Spring Valley. According to the Spring Valley Police and Mark Lieb of Rockland Video Productions, officers found a fire with heavy flames and smoke coming from the living room of a top-floor apartment. Police told Lieb that a woman was trapped unconscious inside, suffering from smoke inhalation. Unidentified neighbors brought her downstairs to safety. She was t…
Lifelong Hudson Valley Resident Who Served As Fire Chief, Owned Catering Business Dies At 70 Lifelong Hudson Valley Resident Who Served As Fire Chief, Owned Catering Business Dies At 70
Lifelong Hudson Valley Resident Who Served As Fire Chief, Owned Catering Business Dies At 70 A popular lifelong Hudson Valley former fire chief and catering business owner known for his love of cooking has died at the age of 70. Ulster County resident Michael B. Hackett, of Highland, passed away on Monday, Jan. 15. He was born on Sunday, June 7, 1953, in Poughkeepsie, to the late Francis and the late Rita (McGrath) Hackett, according to his obituary.  He was a resident all of his life. He was a graduate of Roy C. Ketcham High School in Wappingers Falls and a member of St. Martin de Porres Church in Poughkeepsie, his obituary said,  Retired from Geodis/IBM of Poughkeepsie…
Beloved Westchester Firefighter Dies Years After Collapsing At Residential Blaze Beloved Westchester Firefighter Dies Years After Collapsing At Residential Blaze
Beloved Westchester Firefighter Dies Years After Collapsing At Residential Blaze A city in Westchester is mourning the loss of a beloved firefighter who is being celebrated for his bravery and dedication to his community.  Mount Vernon Firefighter Lamont “Wise” Killian, Jr., died from heart-related issues on Monday, Dec. 11 at the age of 51, city officials announced.  According to the US Fire Administration, Killian had been off-duty since collapsing at the scene of a residential fire on June 22, 2019, when he suffered a heart attack.  Killian's city is now remembering him as someone who was always prepared to help people.  "Your bravery …
Former Fire Chief, Air Force Vet From Northern Westchester Dies Former Fire Chief, Air Force Vet From Northern Westchester Dies
Former Fire Chief, Air Force Vet From Northern Westchester Dies A former fire chief and lifelong Northern Westchester resident who dedicated much of his life to firefighting has died.  Yorktown Heights resident Arthur Orneck, who served as the Chief of the Yorktown Heights Volunteer Fire Department between 1986 and 1987, died on Tuesday, April 4 at the age of 74, according to his obituary.   Born in White Plains in 1948, Orneck lived his entire life in Yorktown Heights and worked as a professional firefighter for the Greenville Fire District in Scarsdale for 20 years before retiring in 2000.  Additionally, he was also a 58-year…
Video: Driver From Rockland, 22, Escapes Burning Jeep Moments Before It Bursts Into Flames Video: Driver From Rockland, 22, Escapes Burning Jeep Moments Before It Bursts Into Flames
Video: Driver From Rockland, 22, Escapes Burning Jeep Moments Before It Bursts Into Flames A 22-year-old motorist from Rockland County avoided a frightful fate after a crash ignited a ferocious fire that quickly engulfed her Jeep. The motorist didn't have much time after her Patriot slammed into a utility pole in Old Tappan on Westwood Avenue between Stone Point Park and Washington Avenue South. "Wires fell to the ground, igniting a leaf pile," Old Tappan Police Chief Joseph J. Tracy said. "The fire worked its way to leaves underneath the vehicle -- which ignited the vehicle itself." Christian Michael provided the videos and photo for this story: It went up quick.Christia…
House Destroyed After Massive Fire Breaks Out In Hudson Valley House Destroyed After Massive Fire Breaks Out In Hudson Valley
House Destroyed After Massive Fire Breaks Out In Hudson Valley Several fire departments battled a Hudson Valley house fire that destroyed the large home while having to bring in water due to the lack of fire hydrants. The fire took place in Dutchess County in Rhinebeck on Kipp Road around 11:30 p.m., Saturday, May 21. According to the Rhinebeck Fire Department, first arriving firefighters from both Hillside and Rhinebeck found the 2,000-square-foot house fully engulfed in flames. Due to the location of the home, several fire tankers "drafted" in thousands of gallons of water from a nearby pond, the Rhinebeck Fire Department said. The fire was pl…
Mother, Son Escape After House Fire Breaks Out In Area Mother, Son Escape After House Fire Breaks Out In Area
Mother, Son Escape After House Fire Breaks Out In Area A mother and a son managed to escape an intense Hudson Valley house fire that was gas-fed. The fire took place around 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 2, at a two-family home located in Putnam County at 2592 Carmel Ave., in Brewster. According to the Brewster Fire Department, first arriving firefighters were given reports of a mother and son still trapped in the fully engulfed home.  Smoke from the gas-fed fire.Brewster Fire Department Firefighters made several attempts to enter the home to search for the trapped residents but were driven back by the intense fire, the department said.  A sho…
Three-Alarm Fire Breaks Out At Apartment Complex In Area Three-Alarm Fire Breaks Out At Apartment Complex In Area
Three-Alarm Fire Breaks Out At Apartment Complex In Area A mother and a newborn were able to escape a roaring three-alarm apartment fire in the area due to a warning from a smoke detector.  The blaze broke out in Ulster County around 12:50 p.m., Monday, Jan. 31, at 109 Rondout Drive in Kingston. When Kingston firefighters arrived on the scene located at the Roundout Gardens Apartments, they found heavy fire coming from a second-floor apartment, extending to the attic, said the Kingston Fire Department. When the fire started, the mother and her newborn were able to escape without injuries due to a smoke detector, the department said. "She was a…
Blaze Breaks Out At Home In Area Blaze Breaks Out At Home In Area
Blaze Breaks Out At Home In Area A fire destroyed the first floor of a home in the Hudson Valley overnight. The blaze broke out in Orange County around 6 p.m., Monday, Jan. 31 at the home located on Orchard Street in Port Jervis, said the Port Jervis Fire Department. When firefighters arrived on the scene in under two minutes they found an active fire on the first floor of the home.  Crews from Truck 7 forced entry into the home while Engine 1 and Engine 2 advanced a line to the first floor, officials said. The home.Port Jefferson Fire Department  While crews were making a push and performing searches, numerous propa…