OSSINING, NY — August 7 — On Friday evening, a significant mutual-aid response was initiated when firefighters from nearby communities were called to assist in a fourth-alarm fire at 87 Hawks Avenue, Part Knolls Building 1, in Assigning.

The Dobbs Ferry Fire Department, based at 112 Main Street in Dobbs Ferry, was the first department to respond to this mutual aid call.

Engine 47 and Chief 2091 were initially sent to Assigning for coverage but were later redirected to the fire scene to support the crews already there.

Firefighters faced intense fire and smoke conditions, particularly on the roof of the three-story building, which had 24 units.

Ossining Fire Department officials later confirmed that seven families were evacuated by firefighters and police, and that 16 of the 24 apartments in the building were occupied.

Water supply operations played a critical role in the response.

Assigning officials stated that 12 tanker trucks transported large amounts of water, and firefighters also used water from a nearby pond and swimming pool.

Firefighters from Atonal, Mount Disco, Piedmont, and Spring Valley were already providing coverage in Assigning when the fire was reported.