After working at a small train derailment on Park Street, and a Gas leak at McDonalds on Main Street, the night was again interrupted at approximately 02:21 hours Wednesday morning, when St Lawrence County 911 Dispatch dropped tones for Canton Fire/Rescue and County Car 1 to respond to a reported working structure fire on 3 Gouverneur Street in the Village of Canton. Initial reports and call ins by passer bys stated a fully involved structure as reported by Central Dispatch. Immediately en route was CFD 3rd Assistant Chief Brian McCluskey (4-4), Following shortly behind was 1st Assistant Chief Bob Crowe (4-2). Upon the arrival of the Chiefs, 4-4 reported a 2 story wood frame residence with heavy fire out of the rear of the structure on the first and second floors. The building was deemed uninhabited by reports from neighbors as well. Quickly en route from Canton Fire Station was Engine 6, Truck 1, and Rescue 1, as well as Ambulance 131 and Engine 8. Upon the arrival of incoming units, Engine 6 was ordered to lay into the hydrant with 5" LDH supply line. Due to the close proximity of Exposure #1, a 2-1/2" handline was stretched to protect the exposure, while additional handlines were stretched to begin attacking the heavy volume of fire. Truck 1 was ordered to initially knock down the fire in the rear by using a master stream however was redirected to begin vertical ventilation upon the entry of interior firefighters. By this time 4-2 had established command and began requesting multiple alarms for mutual aid manpower from Morley FD, West Potsdam FD, Rennselear Falls FD, Potsdam FD, and Pierrepont FD. Initial interior firefighters gained access to the residence and began attacking a large amount of fire and intense heat on the 1st and 2nd floors.
After a hard fought battle with extremely freezing temperatures and a large volume of fire, Firefighters began to get the upper hand and knock the fire back, stopping it in its tracks before it could consume the residence. Extensive overhaul was performed to find numerous well hidden hot spots around the residence, which were difficult to find as the rear portion of the house was destroyed by the fire, making it even more dangerous for firefighters to operate. The hot spots were eventually found and extinguished, and firefighters began picking up to return to quarters after a long morning of fighting fire. A great stop was made by all on scene and their hard work was noted, and appreciated. Only one minor firefighter injury was reported, however no civilians were injured. All CFD units were reported back in service by 09:32 hours. The cause of the fire is still under investigation by the St Lawrence County Fire Investigation Team.
(All photos by Nathan Paquin of Rexford Fire District)
