First-Due Response: Hinsdale Engine 8 Diverts to Mattydale Commercial Structure Fire

Hinsdale, NY - Firefighters navigated a rapid series of overlapping emergency calls Thursday afternoon, coordinating with regional mutual aid companies to secure a commercial shopping plaza after a rooftop HVAC unit sustained a direct lightning strike.

At approximately 3:35 p.m. (1535 hours) on Thursday, August 27, the Hinsdale Volunteer Fire Department was initially dispatched to an active utility pole fire on Endres Drive in their first-due district.

While responding aboard Engine 8 under the direction of Assistant Chief Culkin, Onondaga County 911 simultaneously activated the department and multiple mutual aid agencies for a reported commercial structure fire at the Continental Beauty Salon inside the Mattydale Shopping Plaza.

Engine 8 immediately diverted to the commercial assignment while requesting National Grid to handle the initial utility pole incident. Arriving first on scene at the plaza, the engine crew secured a positive water source via a nearby fire hydrant, positioned a charged attack line at the main entrance, and initiated an interior investigation alongside incoming mutual aid units.

Firefighters operating inside encountered a burning odor throughout the commercial space and a light smoke haze concentrated in the rear. An exterior and roof assessment revealed that a rooftop HVAC unit had been struck by lightning, burning out electrical components and pushing smoke through the ventilation ductwork into the tenant space.

As suppression crews completed their investigation and began packing equipment, a third call for service was dispatched for an automatic fire alarm in the neighboring Lyncourt Fire District. Rescue 5 responded to assist before being canceled en route.