Brockport firefighters responded to a house fire at 42 High Street, with a report of people trapped at 1:25 a.m. May 16. On arrival, Fire Chief Laurence Vaughan confirmed that he had two adults and one child on one roof waiting to be rescued. Brockport Police Officer Sgt. Mark Phillippy and Officer Steven Mesiti, along with Monroe Ambulance Medic 42's paramedic James Weaver and EMT Cody Howe, were already at the scene and utilizing a ladder from a neighbor, assisting the residents down to Brockport firefighters as they arrived with their equipment. Shortly after, the chief received reports that two other people had jumped from windows attempting to escape the fire. All five were transported to area hospitals with no apparent life threatening injuries. Ambulances from Brockport, Monroe Ambulance, Spencerport, Gates and Greece were all summoned to provide aid to those involved. The American Red Cross responded to assist with emergency housing and damage assessment. According to the chief, the cause of the fire is still under investigation by Monroe County Investigators. The fire caused severe fire damage to the second floor and attic. The primary structure still appears to be intact with some heat smoke and water damage noted on the first floor, according to department officials. Brockport was assisted by firefighters from Hamlin, Holley, Spencerport, Bergen and Walker in bringing the fire under control and providing protection to the Brockport district during the blaze. Vaughan said it was a tough fire, as it is anytime you have lives in the balance and possibly trapped when you arrive. He is very pleased and appreciative of the assistance he and his personnel received from both the Brockport Police Department and all the responders that stepped up to meet the challenge. Submitted by: Christopher R. Martin, Public Information Officer - BFD May 21, 2006 |
