On December 23rd, 2023, at 15:48 hours, the members of Department 21, along with 16-99 & 13-FAST, were dispatched to 62 Hamilton Avenue in Tappan for smoke coming from a residence, as called in by a neighboring resident.

21-2 arrived on the scene 4 minutes after dispatch and transmitted a signal-12, reporting fire on the first floor of a 2-story colonial. 21-1 assumed command shortly after, and 21-2 took operations.

21-1502 arrived first due, and crews quickly stretched to the front door. Encountering multiple locked exterior door’s, 21-1502’s crew forced entry and immediately began fire suppression, with fire primarily located in the kitchen area, spreading rapidly throughout the first and second floors.

21-4, 21-5, 16-3 & the 16-99 crew initiated a primary search of the residence, yielding negative results.

Subsequent to 21-1502’s arrival, 21-1500 secured a water source and supplied 21-1502, enabling the 1500’s crew to deploy a second hose line and aid in fire suppression.

An engine from Northvale, NJ, and a tower ladder from Old Tappan, NJ, were requested to relocate to 21-100, in addition to 11-2000 & 10-98 responding to the scene.

The hose teams successfully knocked down the fire, permitting the remaining units to commence overhaul concurrently with a secondary search. This search resulted in the conscious and alert removal of 1 cat from the basement.

Regrettably, an additional cat was recovered during overhaul, unfortunately the animal perished due to smoke inhalation. Our hearts and prayers go out to the affected family.

The incident was then declared under control, and a signal-11 was transmitted at 16:58 hours.

The members of the Volunteer Fire Association of Tappan received assistance on scene from 44-1, 44-3, 44-12, The Orangetown Police Department, and The South Orangetown Ambulance Corp.

The cause of this fire is pending investigation by Orangetown Fire Inspectors and the Rockland County Sheriff’s BCI Unit.