02/17/2004:

10 Left Homeless in Early Morning Multiple Alarm House Fire

At approximately 8:00 AM, the Big Tree Volunteer Fire Company was alerted to a possible structure fire at 4277 Fairview Drive. Hamburg Fire Control dispatchers stated that the home owner had reported a smoldering plant in the living room of the house. All occupants were said to have exited the building. Shortly after the first dispatch, firefighters responding to the fire station reported heavy smoke and fire conditions. Additional automatic mutual aid units were immediately dispatched.

Upon arrival, Big Tree Fire Chief Robert Stoberl reported a two-story wooden frame home showing heavy fire conditions from the B-C corner. Fire was also venting out several windows on both the first and second floors.

Big Tree Engine 1 was first on scene laying in from a hydrant and deploying an 1 ¾ attack line. Big Tree Engine 2 arrived moments later and stretched an additional attack line. Crews from Scranton stretched a 2 ½” line to cover the B-C sides of the structure. After a quick darkening down of the fire from the exterior, interior crews were able to advance throughout the first and second floors. Other crews laddered the roof and vented the structure to try and alleviate some of the smoke and gases. Additional hand lines were stretched to aid in extinguishment, ventilation and overhaul.

The fire was called under control after about 25 minutes of aggressive initial attack with major overhaul holding the companies on scene for 2 more hours. The fire caused extensive damage throughout the home which was deemed a complete loss.

Fire investigators from the Town of Hamburg are conducting an investigation into the cause of the fire.

Big Tree was aided by the Armor, Blasdell, Hamburg, Lake Shore, Newton-Abbott, Orchard Park, Scranton and Woodlawn fire companies.