November 5, 2014
At approximately 08:05 am Potsdam firefighters were alerted by Central dispatch of a structure fire, Midtown apartments, 28 Munson Street in the Village. Engines 48, 49 and Tower 5 responded immediately, firefighters arrived to find the building being evacuated. Tower 5 took position in front of the building, Engine 49 stopped at the hydrant / standpipe connections and Engine 48 staged for backup / secondary water supply. Assistant Chief David McGregor (36-2) assumed I.C. as Potsdam Command. Firefighters found a light smoke haze in the lobby area with water flowing out from under the door of the maintenance room area. It was quickly determined that there had been a small fire in the room near the heater and the sprinkler system activated and extinguished the fire. Potsdam Command advised firefighters not to evacuate the building. The fire was out and it was safer have occupants shelter in place. There was only a slight smoke condition in the lobby and hallways. A positive pressure fan was set up and was clearing the lobby. It was determined there were trash bags in the area of the heater and they had ignited. Once it became hot enough the sprinkler head in the room activated and extinguished the fire. The sprinkler system can be truly credited with limiting property damage and possibly saving lives. Once the sprinkler system was shut down, firefighters assisted in cleaning up the water in the lobby area. Potsdam fire was assisted by Potsdam Rescue and Potsdam PD.