Esopus Fire Department

On Sunday, April 14th the Esopus Fire Department and five mutual aid fire companies had the opportunity to complete a full day of training exercises at Scenic Hudson’s Black Creek Preserve river front property (formerly known as Winding Brook Acres) in the Town of Esopus. Firefighters from Esopus, Highland, Port Ewen, Rifton, Saint Remy and Spring Lake were able to complete training on skills including search & rescue, ladder operations, ventilation, hose line advancement and FAST (Firefighter Assistance and Search Team) operations.

On Sunday, February 17th at 22:29 the Esopus Fire Department and Town of Esopus Volunteer Ambulance Squad were dispatched to a report of a two-car motor vehicle accident with injuries in the area of 821 Route 9W. The first arriving unit was on the scene within minutes and found a motor vehicle accident involving two cars that had both struck a utility pole with wires down and one person still in the vehicle. Firefighters deployed extrication tools often referred to as the “Jaws of Life” and were able to free the patient within 10 minutes.

On Sunday, February 10th at 04:40 the Esopus Fire Department and Town of Esopus Volunteer Ambulance Squad were dispatched to a report of a two-car motor vehicle accident with injuries in the area of 617 Route 9W. The first arriving unit was on the scene within minutes and found a motor vehicle accident involving two cars that struck head-on with both drivers heavily entrapped and serious injuries. Two medical helicopters and additional heavy rescue was requested from the Port Ewen Fire Dept.

On Thursday, February 7th at around 15:00hrs members of the Esopus Fire Department were alerted to a report of two dogs stuck on the ice on the Hudson River in the area of Parker Ave. Members arrived and confirmed the dogs were on the ice without access to retrieve them. Esopus Fire, Rifton Fire with their ice rescue team and the Town of Esopus Volunteer Ambulance Squad were dispatched to the scene. Esopus Firefighters were able to rescue the dogs within ten minutes. The rescued dogs were taken by Firefighters to the SPCA healthy and were later reunited with their family.

On Tuesday, January 22nd at 08:36 the Esopus Fire Department and Town of Esopus Volunteer Ambulance Squad were dispatched to a report of a multi-vehicle accident with injuries and entrapment at the intersection of Route 9W and Ulster Ave. The first arriving unit was on the scene within minutes and found motor vehicle accident involving a car, an SUV and a van with one person heavily entrapped. Firefighters deployed extrication tools often referred to as the “Jaws of Life” and had the entrapped patient freed within twenty minutes.

On Friday, January 18th at 15:23 the Esopus Fire Department was dispatched was dispatched for a reported Chimney Fire at 203 Burroughs Drive. Due to the nature and location of the fire the Highland Hose Company was also dispatched with 1 engine to the scene. The first arriving unit was on the scene within 4 minutes and requested a 2nd alarm, confirming an active Chimney Fire with extension to the structure. Firefighters attacked the fire and were able to bring the fire under control within 45 minutes but remained on scene for over 2 hours. The fire has been listed as accidental.

In the wake of this week tragic fire we reminder everyone both young and old the following.
1. If you are in a fire get out and stay out
2. Don't attempt to rescue property
3. Always know two ways out of places you are staying. This also applies to places that you work.
4. Make sure smoke alarms are working and tested on a regular  basis.
 

Chief stresses fire risks after deadly blaze in Esopus
 

On Tuesday, July 10th at 02:28 the Esopus Fire Department was dispatched for a report house fire 719 Old Post Rd. Firefighters arrived within 5 minutes to find a “well involved” house fire and received reports that one of the occupants was still inside. Firefighters made entry to the structure, battled heavy fire conditions and were able to locate the occupant but the occupant had succumbed to injuries sustained in the fire. Two other occupants were able to safely evacuate and were evaluated by the Town of Esopus Volunteer Ambulance Squad.

On Friday, May 11th at 07:30 the Esopus Fire Department and Esopus Ambulance were dispatched to a reported Head-on MVA in the area of 1097 Route 9W. The first arriving unit was on the scene prior to the dispatch and found what appeared to be several accidents involving seven vehicles. Two of the vehicles involved struck head-on, trapping one of the drivers. The Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) Plan was initiated bringing additional ambulances to the scene to assist.

On Sunday January 29th at 4:36am the Esopus Fire Department was dispatched to the report of a Chimney Fire at 4 Hermance Lane in the Town of Esopus. The first arriving unit was on the scene in less than 30 seconds from the dispatch and reported smoke coming from the front door. Firefighters made entry and found active fire in the attic and walls of the structure. A 2nd alarm was transmitted which brought mutual aid companies to the scene to assist. The fire was brought under control in less than 45 minutes. While there was damage to the structure, no injuries were reported.