NEW ROCHELLE, NY — New Rochelle firefighters battled a fast-moving, smoky structure fire on Thursday at a 3 story house on Wood Place in New Rochelle today. Smoke blanketed the neighborhood between French Ridge and Lincoln Avenue closing off traffic in the area for about two hours.
The fire, which began about noon Thursday, was caused by contractors removing paint on the first floor, according to New Rochelle Fire Chief Louis DiMeglio. Two painters sat on the curb across the street, looking around nervously, as fire engulfed the house.
Upon arrival firefighters encountered heavy smoke coming out of the first floor and under the eaves on the third floor and the attic above. Within minutes fire was shooting out of a third floor window.
The fire grew quickly leading to a second alarm to bring more resources to the scene. Mutual aid from Yonkers, Greenville, Pelham Manor and Eastchester provided coverage at New Rochelle firehouses.
The fire was declared under control shortly after 2 p.m.
Four firefighters were rushed to Montefiore New Rochelle Hospital with smoke inhalation and exhaustion and one firefighter and one police officer were treated at the scene.
More photos from John D’Alois on Flickr
