On December 23rd at 5:45 PM the Pleasant Valley Fire District was dispatched for a structure fire at View Drive located in the Hickory Hills Estates. A ladder truck from Arlington Fire District was also requested under an automatic mutual aid plan. Firefighters responding to the alarm were notified that the home was fully involved.

The first arriving Pleasant Valley Fire District Chief was on scene within one minute of dispatch. They found the lone occupant out of the structure with heavy fire already burning through the roof. Nearby homes were threatened by the growing flames, and the skirting of one of the homes had begun to melt.

Pleasant Valley Fire District Engine 56-11 arrived on scene and the crew immediately stretched two handlines to protect the exposures and begin fire suppression efforts.

The bulk of the fire was quickly knocked down; however, the floor of the home was badly compromised making overhaul difficult. Firefighters had to strip away much of the siding from the exterior to get at lingering hot spots. Tanker trucks were used to shuttle water to the scene to fully extinguish the stubborn fire. The home was a total loss.

No firefighters were injured during the course of operations; however, the occupant was transported to a local hospital by PV Medic 1 for evaluation. The Red Cross was contacted to provide assistance for the resident and the Dutchess County Fire Investigation Division was requested to help determine the cause and origin of the fire. All units were returned to service by 10 PM.

Pleasant Valley would like to thank the Arlington Fire District, Roosevelt Fire District, Dutchess County Fire Investigation Division, Central Hudson Gas & Electric, Dutchess County Sheriff's Office, Dutchess County Department of Emergency Response Dispatchers and Personnel, and the Pleasant Valley Ladies Auxiliary for their assistance with the incident.

The Pleasant Valley Fire District would like to remind residents to have working CO and smoke detectors in their homes and to have an evacuation plan in case of emergencies. Volunteers are always needed to be part of our team. Stop by our firehouses on Monday evenings at 6:30 pm or visit the “Join PVFD” section at PVFDNY.org.