DELMAR, NY - A fallen power line led to a structure fire at a home in Delmar in March.

Fire crews were called to 53 Wellington Rd. in Delmar around 3:30 P.M. on Thursday, March 21st, for reports of flames visible from the attic of the home.

Arriving fire chiefs discovered a heavy smoke condition in front of the home and declared a Signal 30 working structure fire, and requested Westmere Fire for their FAST Team.

“Upon first arrival, we had heavy smoke coming out of the eaves and the ridge vent,” said Chief Dan Ryan of the Delmar Fire Department. “It looked to be a fire in the attic, which is exactly what it was.” 

The cause of the fire was believed to be from a fallen tree in the backyard of the home that ripped the power line from the home, causing a spark and igniting a fire in the attic, according to Ryan.

Crews were advised not to go into the rear of the house, as there was a power line down that landed on the metal fence and energized the entire fence, Ryan said. Firefighters were also cautioned of a room inside the home that contained ammunition.

Crews were also able to save some picture books and other valuables from the home and remove them to prevent any further chance of water damage.

“When they were doing their search through the first-floor for fire extension, they saw some things they thought were important and started pulling them out so it didn’t get damaged by water,” Ryan said.

Firefighters were able to confine the fire damage to the attic and portions of the garage, Ryan said.

“We were able to get the fire out quickly and it didn’t spread into the living quarters,” he said. 

The homeowner was inside the home at the time and was able to notice the fire, call 911 and safely evacuate himself from the home.

Delmar, Elsmere, Slingerlands, North Bethlehem and Westmere fire departments responded to the scene with Delmar-Bethlehem EMS, Albany County Paramedics and Bethlehem Police.

There were no injuries reported on scene.