Monday, July 13, 2015

A four-alarm fire destroyed two barns in Rotterdam, New York


 JULY 11, 2015

Rotterdam, N.Y. -- 

A four-alarm fire destroyed two barns in Rotterdam Saturday night.  


Crews from more than five fire departments responded to Curry Bush Road.

When they arrived on scene, firefighters said two barns, one filled with hay and a tractor, were on fire.


"We had two fully involved barn fires.  At that time, we had a lot of wind pushing at us from the top of the hill which made it a hard attack," said Matthew Zink, South Schenectady Fire Department Second Assistant Chief.


The fire quickly went to four alarms as surrounding companies were called to help battle the flames.


Crews were worried about a 150 gallon diesel drum that could explode.


Zink said, "We're able to keep the fire under control from reaching that point, and we're able to remove the tank from the area.


More than 70 firefighters helped get the fire under control within an hour, shuttling water from a local pond and a hydrant down the road.


"Once it's safe, they'll have the investigators come in, take a look and try to figure out where it started," said Zink.


Firefighters were able to save the house on the property.  The family will be able to return home.


No one was injured in the fire.