The Orange County Department of Emergency Services and the Coldenham Fire District are providing the following update regarding the fire that occurred at the Coldenham Firehouse in the Town of Montgomery.

At approximately 3:14 a.m. on July 28th, Orange County 911 received a report of an automatic alarm at the Coldenham Firehouse. Responding members encountered a fully involved fire within the garage bays of the firehouse. Several firefighters took swift action in an attempt to salvage some of the apparatus so it could be used to help extinguish the fire.

The fire caused significant damage to the building and several pieces of firefighting apparatus housed inside. Firefighters from numerous neighboring departments responded quickly and worked in coordination to control the fire while protecting surrounding properties.

During firefighting operations, five firefighters sustained smoke inhalation and minor injuries. They were transported to Garnet Health Medical Center and Montefiore St. Luke's Cornwall Hospital for evaluation and treatment. All five firefighters have since been treated and released.

Fire departments from across Orange County and neighboring communities responded to assist the Coldenham Fire District, offering fire apparatus, equipment, and other resources to ensure the district can continue to operate. Mutual aid resources have also been established to ensure adequate fire protection coverage continues throughout the district.

The Orange County Department of Emergency Services the Coldenham Fire District extends its sincere appreciation to every firefighter, EMS provider, law enforcement officer, and emergency responder who assisted at the scene, as well as to the many departments that have offered mutual aid and equipment in support of the Coldenham Fire District during this difficult time. Many nearby businesses and community organizations have also been extremely supportive of the Fire District's volunteers.

The New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control has assumed the fire investigation, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.