In the early hours of Friday Morning at 2:06am the Hagaman Vol. Fire Department was dispatched to a report of a Structure Fire next door to 28 Scenic Rd. The first fire units to arrive reported heavy smoke and fire at the rear of the building at 24 Scenic Rd. Information from neighbors led firefighters to believe there was potential for one occupant to be trapped inside. Engine 5, Tanker 7, Engine 3 and Rescue 4 arrived to the scene within minutes of each other.

Mutual Aid was requested from Cranesville and Fort Johnson for a full response to the scene initially. The initial fire crews made an entry through the front of the residence and began a search for the occupant. A second team was deployed with an attack line behind the first team to try and provide coverage for the search team. Due to rapidly deteriorating conditions and a heavy fire load the teams were ordered to evacuate the structure and begin defensive operations.

There were many logistical issues that also hampered the firefighters work. Deep snow around the residence, little access to water and live downed power lines made the efforts even more difficult. Hydrants located a few miles a way were mostly unaccessible by crews.Chief Jeff Ball was in command of the scene. Crews were on scene for 9 hours and 46 minutes, not including the additional 5 hours the HVFD members were at the station cleaning all of the equipment and putting all of the trucks back into service.

Other departments that responded to the scene were the Tribes Hill, Florida, Perth, Galway and West Charlton fire departments. Beukendaal VFD (Schenectady County) was in Cranesville's station, Galway was at Hagaman's station with an engine and Tribes Hill VFD was in Fort Johnson's station with an engine during the call on cover assignments. GAVAC, the Montgomery County Cause and Origin Team, and the State Office of Fire Prevention and Control assisted at the scene as well.

The Hagaman Vol. Fire Department would also like to thank the Village of Hagaman DPW and Town of Amsterdam DPW for their support at the scene, as well as the other NYS, County and local agencies.

The rear of the structure at 24 Scenic Rd.

Firefighters getting away from the structure as the service power line sparks while burning off of the structure.

(left to right) LT E. Ball, FF C. Howland, FF/EMT A. Nadler, Asst. County Fire Coordinator S. Posluszny Sr., and FF N. Sandy

Hagaman Firefighters during overhaul of the structure. State Fire Investigator inside building.

(Left to Right) Chief J. Ball, Lt. E. Sandy, Capt. L. Dawson Sr., FF/EMT R. Hutchinson. Cranesville VFD Chief Champain in backround.

(Left to Right) LT. E. Ball, FF J. Carden, Cranesville Chief Champain. On Roof, Hagaman FF C. Howland