Hours-Long Battle Overcomes Heavy Fire Load in Delaware County Structure Fire

Arkville, NY - Volunteer firefighters from the Arkville Fire Department mounted an aggressive exposure-protection and rural water supply operation Sunday evening, protecting adjacent property while assisting Fleischmanns Fire Department on a fully involved house fire in Delaware County.

On the evening of September 20, 2026, Arkville personnel were dispatched under automatic mutual aid to assist Fleischmanns with a reported structural blaze. While units were en route, county 911 dispatch confirmed that the residential structure was completely engulfed in flames.

Arriving on location, crews deployed a five-inch large-diameter hose line down the long, private driveway to feed an attack pumper operating near the fire building. To maintain water pressure, firefighters established a coordinated tanker shuttle, drafting and hauling water from Route 28 to a supply point staged at the mouth of the driveway.

With the primary residence completely consumed by fire upon arrival, firefighters prioritized defensive containment and exposure control. Crews deployed protection lines that successfully prevented the high heat and radiant flames from spreading to an adjacent garage and a nearby passenger vehicle.

Arkville personnel operated continuously at the scene until midnight to conduct overhaul and ensure all deep-seated hot spots were fully extinguished before returning to the station for extensive equipment restoration and hose-packing details.