Southern Ulster Times, Wednesday, May 18, 2016
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Flames consume bunkhouse at Highland camp
Photos by Mark Reynolds
Firefighters Fred DeMaio (L) and Stevenson Acquah approached the fire from above the
building.
Continued from page 1
Miller said his crew of 22 firefighters
had the fire knocked down by 5:35 but
continued to pull the charred walls and
floor of the structure apart, spraying
hot spots to ensure that the fire was
completely extinguished.
Highland received assistance in
personnel and tankers from the Milton,
Esopus, Clintondale, Modena and New
Paltz fire companies. The Lloyd Police,
Mobile Life Support Services and Building
Inspector Anthony Giangrasso were also
at the scene.
There were four members of the Ulster
County Cause and Origin team looking
to see how the fire started and their
report will be forthcoming. The cause is
presently listed as ‘undetermined.’
Miller said fighting the fire was
somewhat difficult because the main
roadway was narrow and they had to
rely on water from their tankers. They
dropped a line to nearby Chodikee Lake
to make sure their water supply would
not be interrupted. Miller estimated that
25,000 gallons of water were used to fight
the fire. He said they were back in service
at their firehouse at 8:31 p.m.
Firefighters Samentha Dunham, on the nozzle, and James Balint sprayed down a nearby tree
to ensure it would not catch fire.