At about 6 PM on Monday April 8th, Pleasant Valley Fire District was dispatched to a Smith Road for a possible house fire. The initial call reported an explosion in the basement with a fire. Pleasant Valley Fire Lieutenant Colin Burgess was first on the scene within one minute and reported heavy smoke coming from the rear of the house. He confirmed that all occupants were out of the home. District Chief Mike Cosenza and 1st Assistant Chief John Cronk simultaneously arrived on the scene shortly after and immediately requested a second alarm assignment to bring additional resources to the scene.

The fire spread quickly throughout the structure, aided by open windows and doors. Firefighters entered the basement and first floor, working to extinguish the heavy blaze. During their efforts, one firefighter fell through a burned-out staircase from the first floor into the basement. A mayday was called to rescue him. The firefighter was able to self-extricate from the basement and was assessed by medical personnel on the scene. During the incident two other firefighters were also treated by EMS, and one was transported to the hospital for evaluation. He is expected to make a full recovery. The fire was knocked down within 45 minutes, but extensive overhaul operations continued to ensure the blaze was fully extinguished.

Five adults and two children were displaced by the fire and received assistance from the Red Cross and family members. Three dogs were rescued from the fire by the occupants, but sadly one dog and a cat perished in the fire. Firefighters finished up at the scene and were back in service at about 11:30 PM. The cause and origin of the blaze are under investigation.

The Pleasant Valley Fire District would like to thank the Arlington Fire District, East Clinton Fire District, Empress EMS, Fairview Fire District, Hyde Park Fire Department, LaGrange Fire District, Millbrook Fire Department, Roosevelt Fire District, Union Vale Fire District, and West Clinton Fire District for their assistance at the scene and for covering Pleasant Valley during the incident. Valuable assistance was also provided by Crown Energy Corp., Central Hudson Gas and Electric Corporation, the Dutchess County Fire Investigation Division, and the New York State Police. The Dutchess County Department of Emergency Response Dispatchers and personnel provided crucial support throughout the incident.

Additionally, the Pleasant Valley Fire District was dispatched the next day to the same location for an secondary fire. Upon arrival, the basement was fully involved, with fire penetrating the first floor.

The Pleasant Valley Fire District would like to remind residents that 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.