Sunday Night Chimney Fire Extends Into Canton Home

St. Lawrence County Central Dispatch Dropped the tones at 1745 hours for a reported chimney fire at 854 Miner Street Road. Canton 4-2 and 4-3, Assistant Chiefs Erik Johnson and Brian McCluskey were out of service immediately, responding on the 4 1/2 mile run to the scene. Upon arrival of the Assistant Chiefs, the incident was upgraded to a working fire with smoke pushing from the eaves. Assistant Chief Johnson assumed Incident Command while Assistant Chief McCluskey took the Operations position. Chief McCluskey entered the residence to locate the homeowner who was carrying pails of water to help stop the spread of fire. It was apparent that the fire left the chimney and was extending into the attic and the roof structure. The fire was beginning to gain a foothold in the attic space.

Engine 7 (Lawrence) arrived moments later and deployed a 1 3/4" line to the residence while Tanker 20's crew (P. McCluskey/Grandaw) deployed a Porta-tank for Engine 7 and set up to draft. Command requested tankers from the Tanker Task Force bringing mutual aid in from Pyrites Fire, Rennselaer Falls Fire, DeKalb Junction Fire, Morley Fire, Hermon Fire and Potsdam Fire. Within 30 minutes the interior crew, led by Captian Tim Gavin with FF Rob Larrabee and FF Nate Klepping, informed the Operations Chief that the fire was under control and that they were overhauling the attic area above the kitchen for any hotspots. Command was notified and the second alarm tankers were held in station.

This was a great save for the Canton Firefighters and for a very greatful homeowner. For the next hour the overhaul debris was removed and salvage tarps placed for the homeowner so they could re-enter and save their personal items. Canton units were back in service at 2009 hours and no injuries were reported.