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One person is injured following an explosion at a home in Westerlo on Saturday, January 5.
The Westerlo Fire Department received a call for a reported structure fire at 8 Slade Hill Road shortly before 6:30 Saturday evening. A second call was received stating that there were reported explosions at that location.
Arriving units confirmed a fully-involved structure fire coming from the garage of the residence. Mutual aid companies began to be requested to assist in the blaze.
According to Westerlo Fire Assistant Chief Don Filkins, "[T]here was some welding on a tank going on down in the basement and apparently there was a pin hole in the tank and as soon as they put a torch to it, it exploded."
One occupant inside was taken to the hospital after suffering burns from the explosion.
"When we arrived we had numerous bottles of oxygen and acetylene exploding in the structure itself," said Filkins. "It was a tough fire fight to get in because we could not quell the flames fast enough until those bottles were burned off." There were also propane tanks inside as well.
Crews were able to save the back half of the structure, however, the front half of the structure is a total loss.
At last check, the family was still making arrangements of a place to stay. Assistant Chief Filkins commented saying "The one thing about towns like Westerlo is a lot of people know each other. Usually they take care of each other up here pretty well."
The fire was under control in about two hours.
"I'm just thankful for all the firefighters that showed up," said Filkins. "There was a lot of fire showing when we first arrived, I didn't think we were gonna have this outcome."
Fire departments on the scene included Westerlo, Onesquethaw, Berne, East Berne, Coeymans Hollow, and North Bethlehem for rehab. Greenville, Rensselearville, Ravena, Knox, Huntersland fire departments were all assigned as standby and cover companies.
Also on the scene was Westerlo Rescue Squad, Heldeberg EMS, Westerlo Auxiliary, and Albany County Paramedics.
The fire is currently being investigated at this time by the Albany County Sheriff's and Cause and Origin Investigators.
New Year’s Resolution Idea: Join Us!
New Year’s Resolution Idea: Join Us
coeymanshollowvolunteerfirecompany.wordpress.com
The New Year is almost here and many of us will be making New Year’s resolutions. Why not make a resolution to help out in your community by joining your local Volunteer Fire Company. For mor…
www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.524713901347681&type=1&l=94564f5e03The Coeymans Hollow Fire Department was called to 35 Alcove Road for a chimney fire around 10:40 P.M. on Thursday, December 13.
Chief Kapusta arrived on scene and stated there was a working structure fire and transmitted a signal 30.
A tanker was requested to the scene from both Westerlo and Medway-Grapeville fire departments. Ravena Fire was requested for an engine to standby at the Coeymans Hollow Firehouse. New Baltimore Fire was called to the scene with their FAST Team.
The fire was contained to one room, for the most part. There was some minor extension to the second floor.
Everyone made it out of the house safely.
Coeymans Hollow Volunteer Fire Company Westerlo Volunteer Fire Company Seeks New Members Medway-Grapeville Fire Co. Cornell Hook & Ladder Fire Company
There are no words to describe how grateful we are for each of you responding to our call last night. Thank you!
Agressive work Chief, well done!
Coeymans Hollow Fire and Ravena Rescue responded to a one-car accident on Stanton Road around 5:45 P.M. on Monday, December 10.
The vehicle went off the roadway on Stanton Road, just west of Biers Road, when it became airborne and was sent over the embankment and down the hill, before coming to a stop hitting a tree down below.
The driver was transported to the hospital with a laceration to the head.
