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LEWISTON, NY - At 2:20 a.m. on the morning of July 9, 2008, the Upper Mountain Vol. Fire Co was dispatched to a working structure fire on Elm Drive in the Town of Lewiston.

On arrival Fire Chief Jonathan Schultz discovered a working two-story structure fire with heavy smoke and fire on side three of the residence. A rapid interior attack utilizing a 2½ “attack line deployed to the second story, where the raging fire was actively consuming the second floor and attic space of the four bedroom home was initiated by Upper Mountain.

Firefighters from the Lewiston No.1 Fire Company immediately provided ventilation and a second interior attack crew with a 1-3/4” attack line to the second floor. Firefighters from Niagara Active Hose Fire Co. brought in a second 1-3/4” hose line to the first floor to battle back the flames from the rear porch and living room area. The Lewiston No. 2 Fire Company provided exterior extinguishment of flames and prevented spread to adjacent structures. The Sanborn Fire Company of Lewiston, NY provided RIT team support.

The cause of the fire is suspected to be electrical in nature but remains under investigation. All members of the family exited the structure prior to arrival of the Fire Co. Lost in the fire was the family dog which alerted the occupants to the fire. Damage is estimated to be in excess of $200,000.

While smoke damage is extensive, rapid containment is credited with preventing fire spread to the family living quarters and attached garage.