LOCKPORT, NY - Niagara County dispatched LFD for a residential structure fire with reported smoke coming from the second-floor of the house on March 2nd. 9M10, E7, E8, & M64 responded from headquarters, under the direction of Assistant Chief Wolck.

On arrival, heavy brown smoke was visible from the roof eaves, roof ridge line and gable end vents, however no flames were immediately visible from the exterior. The initial fire attack crew from Engine 7, led by Captain Turton, deployed a one-and-three-quarter-inch hose line and entered the home via the front door into the first-floor and began a search for the fire. Once through the first room of the first-floor, heavy fire was encountered in the rear in kitchen. Simultaneously, a second crew entered and went to the second-floor to check for extension and encountered heavy fire directly above the area of the kitchen where it had burned through the floor. A third crew ruled out extension into the basement area with the use of thermal imaging cameras.

A third and fourth hose line were deployed during the course of extinguishment, one to the attic space and the other as a safety line. Extensive overhaul was required between the first and second floor, as well as between the second-floor and attic. Approximately 3900-gallons of water were used during extinguishment and overhaul. Fire damage was kept to the rear portion of the structure, but affected both floors and the attic space of that area.

The fire was brought under control within 90 minutes of LFD arrival, and suppression crews were complete within four hours. Occupants were not home at the time of the fire. No civilian or firefighter injuries were reported during this incident.

Unfortunately, although located, two family dogs perished as a result of the heavy smoke throughout the home.