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Firefighters from the Arlington Fire District responded to the home at 294 Spackenkill Road, in Poughkeepsie for a reported structure fire within five minutes of the of receiving the call and had the fire under control within 15 minutes, Gallante said.
The home's eight residents were on the first floor when they smelled smoke and left the house before firefighters arrived, he added.
No one was injured and two cats inside the residence at the time of the fire were also unharmed, Gallante said.
The home sustained moderate heat, smoke and water damage, and all eight residents were displaced as a result of the fire, Gallante said.
The family is receiving assistance from the Mid-Hudson Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross which provides financial assistance for necessities, including food, shelter, and clothing.
The fire was investigated by the Arlington Fire District Fire Investigation Division and was determined to be accidental and caused by the failure of electrical equipment, Gallante said.
Assisting at the scene were the New Hamburg Fire District, Mobile Life Support Services, Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department, Town of Poughkeepsie Building Department, Dutchess County Dept. of Emergency Response, and Central Hudson Gas & Electric.
Gallante reminded residents to make sure they have working and properly installed smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and to practice exit drills in the home.
"Most fatal home fires happen between midnight and 8 a.m. when most people are asleep," he said. "Toxic gases and heat, which can reach over 1,000˚ F, rise and can travel far ahead of the actual flames."
He added that residents may have less than two-and-half minutes to get out of the building.
"Without an escape plan you have practiced, you may not make it. If you don’t have a smoke detector, you risk never waking up," Gallante added.
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