‘Tough fire’ damages home in Rhinecliff
RHINECLIFF, N.Y. » A fire damaged a single-family house on Dutchess Terrace in this town of Rhinebeck hamlet on Tuesday, Jan. 18.
All of the residents and pets in the housewere evacuated safely, but because of low water pressure, water tankers from Milan, Tivoli and West Clinton fire companies were called in to battle the two-alarm blaze, Rhinecliff Fire Chief Jacob Euell said Wednesday, Jan. 19.
Firefighters responded to 19 Dutchess Terrace at about 3 p.m. Tuesday and found dense smoke and flames in the front of the building. They began an aggressive exterior attack before moving to the home’s interior, according to a press release.
The residents and their pets had escaped prior to firefighters’ arrival, “thanks to the direction of those at the Dutchess County 911 Center,” the press release said.
By 3:20 p.m., it became apparent that “there was an issue of low pressure from the hydrants in the hamlet, due to the hydrants all coming off of one main,” the fire department said. After mutual aid arrived, nearly 80 firefighters fought the fire until about 4 p.m.
The fire is believed to have started in an oven and then extended into a wall, but the county’s fire investigation division was called in to determine the cause and origin. The investigation is being handled by the Dutchess County Department of Emergency Response.
All mutual aid units were in service by about 8:45 p.m. Tuesday, with Rhinecliff firefighters, state police and fire investigators remaining at the scene until about 11:15 p.m.
“On a personal note, every single person on scene helped us avoid a true castastrophe yesterday,” Euell wrote, “Limited space. Limited water. Thirty-plus mile per hour winds and closely proximal houses and garages made this a tough fire. Please know that every ounce of effort you put in yesterday made a world of difference and I humbly thank you.”
The Hudson Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross said it provided assistance to three residents of the two-story residence. The Red Cross provides financial assistance, which can be used for necessities such as shelter, food, and clothing. Volunteers also offered emotional support, health services and comfort kits containing personal care items.