A massive fire ripped through the roof of a three story house on Poplar Place in New Rochelle earlier tonight causing significant damage to the 112-year old wood frame house. People inside the house, including an 88-year old woman living on the third floor, escaped without injury. One firefighter suffered a minor injury. New Rochelle firefighters fought the blaze for over an hour. The call came in at 8:32 p.m. via a 911 call by the residents in the house. Ladder 12 from the Webster Station House was first on the scene. Ladder 12 has been only sporadically in service due to budgetary considerations. New Rochelle firefighters arriving on the scene were able to determine, using thermal-imaging technology, that fire had engulfed the third floor of the house. Smoke was pouring out of the windows and flames were visible along the edge of the roof along the gutter. As firefighters ripped up the roof and smashed out windows to vent the fire, flames shot up 20 feet. Family members gathered on the street could only watch is dismay. The house is owned by Marie Pierro, a well-known figure in New Rochelle. She was not at home at the time of the fire. Her daughter, who resides in the house works for the New Rochelle Parks & Recreation Department. Parks Commissioner Bill Zimmerman was on hand to support the family. New Rochelle Fire Chief Lou DiMeglio said the residents had a very hot fire going in the fireplace. The fire was concentrated near the chimney. He said it appeared that the fire got between the chimney and sheetrock on the third floor. The firefighters poured large amounts of water into the house. Parts of the second floor ceiling collapsed. Reported by Robert Cox and Eye on New Roc, photos by Eye on New Roc, videos by Robert Cox.
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An Open Letter From The Pierro / McLeroy Family.
Our family lives at 44 Poplar Place in New Rochelle. As many of you already know, we had a house fire on Tuesday, January 10, 2012. The damage was extensive. The property loss was high. But with more joy than we can possibly describe, we can tell you that all our family members and pets evacuated the house unharmed.
It is our opinion that our house is still standing today due solely to the expertise and heroic efforts of the New Rochelle Fire Department. Their response was quick, and their actions were decisive. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank them for what they did for our family that night. In these tough economic times, where budget cuts are a necessary evil, it is sometimes hard to decide what stays, and what goes. We know that there are many civil services to finance, and we understand that there are not always the funds to do it. However, we can now say from experience, when you are watching your house and everything you own go up in flames, you do not want to have to worry about the closest, firehouse being closed, or understaffed. Our family encourages Mayor Bramson and the members of our city council to do all they can to keep our fire department well funded, and well staffed.
Though there are way too many people to mention individually, we would also like to thank all our neighbors in the New Rochelle community for your outpouring of love and support that night, and the days that followed. From giving us the coats off your back while we watched the firemen battle the flames, to the offerings of food, and the use of your homes; we will never forget your kindness and we are eternally grateful.
On a finally note, the recovery and rebuilding process has already begun. In the coming weeks and months our neighbors in the Residence Park community will see and share in our progress as we rebuild our house, and restore it to the home it once was. Once again, thank you for your kindness. God bless you. And God bless the men of the New Rochelle Fire Department.
Sincerely,
The Pierro / McLeroy Family
Glad you’re safe.
Very nice letter. If they just got rid of the absurd policy of coverage for life for city council members, they wouldn't have to worry about cutting necessary services. Just think of all the former, current, and future council members – how much will their coverage cost the city? How many members have come and gone that we're stuck paying for? Totally absurd.
Best wishes to the Pierro’s
The Pierro's and their extended family are true New Rochellians. Their support for the Boys & Girls Clubs is a yardstick that no one can match. Anytime there is a emergency situation the Pierro's are there with their concern and support for those in need.
I thank God that no one was hurt and am confident that the home will be rebuilt and stand as a testament to all about resolve and love of city. I wish Marie and her family all the best in the coming months.
Ladder 12, first on the scene. What might have been the outcome had Ladder 12 been out of service? What might have been the outcome if the Webster Avenue Firehouse was closed? This situation should awaken everyone to the importance of first responders and shame on the administration for using first responders as pawns in their budgetary process.
God bless the New Rochelle
God bless the New Rochelle Fire Department for their swift response and quick actions. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Pierro/McLeroy family. Please know your Parks and Recreation family are here for you.
Some Fire
Thank God for the fast response of the New Rochelle fire department. Once Again ladder 12 was the first ladder company on the scene. This would have a different ending if LADDER 12 WAS OUT OF SERVICE. I hope our CITY officals are reading and listening. The owner of this house is a great lady and for many years owned and operated PIERRO's lounge on North Avenue. She has given back so much to this city and anytime someone needed something you could always count on the PIERRO family giving it to you. Please keep them in your prayers and thoughts as they go through this tough time.