Fire claims house and barn in Smithville, one firefighter injured
(Submitted photo)
SMITHVILLE – A Smithville house and barn were destroyed in a fire on Sunday and one firefighter was injured while crews fought the blaze.
The home was unoccupied at that time.
According to Genegantslet Fire Company Chief Ken Whitmore, a 911 caller reported a house and barn fire at approximately 11 a.m. Sunday in the Town of Smithville.
“This is probably one of the worst fires I’ve seen in my 18 year career,” Whitmore said. “The house and barn were nearly 100 percent involved when we arrived, and we were on scene for about six hours.”
“Fortunately no one was in the home at the time of the fire, but one firefighter did receive burns.”
Whitmore said the home was the victim’s second home, and that likely contributed to the delayed 911 call.
He said that while there was another residence somewhat close by, his biggest concern was the high voltage power lines that received fire damage. He added that the excellent work of the other departments that provided mutual aid helped make the scene easier to handle and safer to work in.
“When it comes to fires like this that are fully involved, it takes work to get things to where we can handle them,” said Whitmore. “Without our mutual aid departments, days like Sunday would have been impossible to deal with.”
He thanked each department that assisted on the scene including every EMS agency, firefighter, Chenango County representative, NYSEG representative, and T&K Harrington for their help.
“With our training and expertise every job we do on the fire ground no matter the size really does help in ways most wouldn't understand,” he said. “Even though the home was 100 percent involved when the first engine arrived, be proud of the job each and every one of you did, because I truly am.”
“Nobody was seriously injured and everyone went home so I consider this a win in most aspects.”
Whitmore said the cause of the fire is still under investigation, and that determining a cause will be difficult due to the extent of the damage.
He warned individuals that may deal with a house fire in the future to get out as soon as possible, call 911, and to avoid going back into the home - especially for household items that can be replaced.
“If your house is on fire make sure you get out and stay out,” he added. “Things are replaceable, life isn’t.”
Fire departments including Greene, Brisben, Oxford, Triangle, and McDonough along with the Chenango County Coordinator office assisted at the scene.
The home was unoccupied at that time.
According to Genegantslet Fire Company Chief Ken Whitmore, a 911 caller reported a house and barn fire at approximately 11 a.m. Sunday in the Town of Smithville.
“This is probably one of the worst fires I’ve seen in my 18 year career,” Whitmore said. “The house and barn were nearly 100 percent involved when we arrived, and we were on scene for about six hours.”
“Fortunately no one was in the home at the time of the fire, but one firefighter did receive burns.”
Whitmore said the home was the victim’s second home, and that likely contributed to the delayed 911 call.
He said that while there was another residence somewhat close by, his biggest concern was the high voltage power lines that received fire damage. He added that the excellent work of the other departments that provided mutual aid helped make the scene easier to handle and safer to work in.
“When it comes to fires like this that are fully involved, it takes work to get things to where we can handle them,” said Whitmore. “Without our mutual aid departments, days like Sunday would have been impossible to deal with.”
He thanked each department that assisted on the scene including every EMS agency, firefighter, Chenango County representative, NYSEG representative, and T&K Harrington for their help.
“With our training and expertise every job we do on the fire ground no matter the size really does help in ways most wouldn't understand,” he said. “Even though the home was 100 percent involved when the first engine arrived, be proud of the job each and every one of you did, because I truly am.”
“Nobody was seriously injured and everyone went home so I consider this a win in most aspects.”
Whitmore said the cause of the fire is still under investigation, and that determining a cause will be difficult due to the extent of the damage.
He warned individuals that may deal with a house fire in the future to get out as soon as possible, call 911, and to avoid going back into the home - especially for household items that can be replaced.
“If your house is on fire make sure you get out and stay out,” he added. “Things are replaceable, life isn’t.”
Fire departments including Greene, Brisben, Oxford, Triangle, and McDonough along with the Chenango County Coordinator office assisted at the scene.
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