POLAND, N.Y. — The Poland Fire Department station sustained considerable damage after an electrical problem sparked a fire Monday.
Poland firefighters were about to respond to a call for wires down when they found smoke and flames inside their firehouse after opening their bay doors.
Chief Scott Burritt said the fire originated in the rescue unit located inside the building. “It’s still unclear how much damage has been sustained. We’ll be evaluating the equipment and structural damage over the next several days.”
Newport Fire responded to the station fire and contained it quickly, but all of the trucks were damaged to a degree.
“We don’t know exactly how much damage we have, but at least two trucks, including the rescue unit, is out of commission. As soon as our turnout gear is dry from getting cleaned we will be responding to assist in pieces of apparatus that are cleaned and ready to go,” Burritt told CBS.
Neighboring fire departments and communities came to the station’s aid in cleaning up.
Poland firefighters were out of commission for the following day or so, and will be volunteering at nearby agencies throughout the week.
The chief said that the department will rent a storage barn to keep undamaged gear and equipment until necessary repairs are made to the station.