The Neptune Hose Company has released new details about Friday’s fatal house fire in the Town of Dryden that claimed the lives of two people.
According to the fire department, Tompkins County 911 received a call at 12:21 a.m. Friday reporting a neighboring home on Lake Road was on fire. Dryden Fire and Ambulance were immediately dispatched, and while firefighters were still responding, Deputy Chief Bell requested a second alarm because it was unknown how many people might be inside the two-family residence.
When firefighters arrived, they found the two-story home fully engulfed in flames. Five people who lived in the downstairs apartment had safely escaped, but they told firefighters the occupants of the upstairs apartment, along with several pets, might still be inside.
Dryden’s first engine and aerial truck arrived within minutes and immediately launched a search of the second floor. Firefighters quickly located one victim near a window, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Crews were forced to withdraw because of the intense fire conditions, but after knocking down enough of the flames to safely re-enter the home, they located a second victim inside.
Additional firefighters established a water supply and portable ponds while battling the blaze under what officials described as oppressive heat and humidity, conditions that made the lengthy operation even more difficult. Firefighters remained on scene for more than 13 hours before the fire was extinguished and investigators could begin examining the cause.
The identities of the two victims have not yet been released.
The Neptune Hose Company noted the emotional impact fatal fires have on first responders, saying Dryden firefighters have now responded to two fatal fires in their own district over the past four months, in addition to assisting at another fatal fire through mutual aid. The department said mental health resources are being made available to firefighters affected by the incident.
The Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office and the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control continue to investigate the cause of the fire.
The fire department also thanked the numerous neighboring fire departments, emergency agencies, local businesses and community members who provided personnel, equipment, food, water, and support throughout the response.
