Firefighters Contend With Extreme Cold While Battling Westchester Blaze
SCARSDALE, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- In southern Westchester County, the brutal weather made it difficult and dangerous for dozens of firefighters battling a stubborn fire.
When firefighters arrived Monday morning the flames had already consumed part of the first floor of a home on Mamaroneck Road in Scarsdale. The $2.75 million house is 8,400 square feet was just sold last summer, according to Zillow.com.
"Everybody in the house made it out. The first arriving captain confirmed with them in the front lawn that everyone was out," Scarsdale Fire Chief James Seymour told CBS2's Aundrea Cline-Thomas.
Firefighters were inside as the fire went from the first floor to the basement and then traveled through the walls. The strong wind just fanned the flames. It wasn't long before they had to retreat.
"We're still (fighting) stubborn hot spots. We're still trying to battle the elements out here," Seymour said.
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Up to 90 firefighters responded and worked in rotation to prevent hypothermia. Three were taken to the hospital as a precaution. Add to that frozen fire hydrants, ladders and hoses, and the situation was especially difficult.
"Our Scarsdale Water Department staff and our DPW staff were out here to assist the fire department to make sure the hydrants function properly and making any repairs there," Town Manager Steve Pappalareo said.
Hours later, crews continued dousing sporadic flames.
"We'll have to be on a fire watch now for a day or so," Pappalareo said.
To make sure whatever caused the blaze does not reignite.
