House Fire On USH 11
 
By Fire Chief Robert Crowe
December 6, 2022
 

Multiple 911 calls for a house on fire at 6069 US Highway 11, just north of the underpass. Canton Fire, Canton Rescue, and SLC Car 4 were dispatched at 0841 hours. Sgt. Cole from the Canton Police Department was on scene momentarily and confirmed that there was flames and smoke visible. Engine 7 was responding 5 minutes later at 0846 and Assistant Chief Shawn McGregor arrived on scene at that time, indicating it was a working fire and requested the tanker task force be dispatched. Engine 7 arrived on scene at 0851, dropped its porta-tank in the driveway, and laid large diameter hose up to the house. Members were confronted with a primarily exterior fire going up the outside wall of the house to the eaves. Personnel stretched initial handlines to knock down the fire and then proceeded into the residence to stop any spread. Engine 8, Tanker 20, Rescue 1, and Rescue 36 all responded as well with Engine 8 operating at the porta-tank and feeding Engine 7. Firefighters found that the fire had entered the wall adjacent to the initial visible fire and had travelled to the attic. Members opened walls and ceilings to gain access to the fire and were able to quickly contain the fire damage to that area of the house. Mutual aid personnel arrived and aided Canton members in the overhaul operation to ensure there was no remaining fire to reignite. Traffic along US Highway 11 was closed for a period of time by the New York State Police and the Canton Police Department. Several residents sought treatment for smoke inhalation and two dogs were removed uninjured from the home. The St. Lawrence County Fire Investigation Team is heading up the investigation in the cause and origin of the fire. Twenty-six members of the Canton Fire Department were on scene with additional personnel and apparatus from Potsdam Fire, West Potsdam Fire, Pierrepont Fire, Pyrites Fire, and Russell Fire. Morley Fire moved up to Canton Station to stand by. All Canton Units were back in service at 1125.

 
Units: Engine 7, Engine 8, Rescue 1, Rescue 36, Tanker 20
 
Mutual Aid: Potsdam Fire, West Potsdam Fire, Pierrepont Fire, Pyrites Fire, Russell Fire, Morley Fire, Canton Rescue Squad, SLC Emergency Services Cars 1,2 & 4, New York State Police, Canton Police Department, SLC Fire Investigation Team (Cars 12, 20, 38, 39)