Quick Knockdown On Elm Street Saves Multiple Dwelling

On Wednesday evening, March 28, at 19:42 hours, Potsdam Fire and County Car 7 were alerted to a reported house fire at 79 Elm Street in the village. Potsdam Engine 48, operated by Fire Driver Michael Lozipone, responded immediately with a full interior crew, followed by Potsdam Engine 80 chaffeured by Firefighter Jerry Robar. Engine 48 arrived on scene at 19:45 hours and confirmed this to be a working fire in a split level, wood frame, multiple dwelling with smoke and flames visible through a 1st story front window. A second alarm was requested by Potsdam Fire Chief David McGregor for Potsdam Fire and West Stockholm Fire was requested to stand-by at Potsdam Station. Firefighters quickly connected to the fire hydrant located directly in front of the fire building. The crew from Engine 48 stretched a 1 3/4 inch handline to the front entrance of the building, and a back-up handline was stretched to the rear entrance of the building. Engine 48's crew made entry and rapidly knocked down the fire while additional firefighters vented the windows and the roof. The simultaneous ventilation and suppresion operations made for a quick knockdown of the blaze. Immediately after the fire was knocked down, overhaul operations commenced. The building was checked for extension with none found. Tower 5 responded to the scene but was not needed due to the quick knockdown of the fire. The fire room was completely destroyed and the house suffered heavy smoke damage. The St. Lawrence County Fire Investigation team was requested by Chief McGregor to determine the cause and origin of the fire. County Cars 11(Chris Adams), 3(Augie Weiss), and 22(Robert Pierce), responded to the scene. All Potsdam units were back in service at 22:21. Potsdam Fire responded with 39 firefighters and 5 apparatus.