Broken Water Pipe Suppresses Basement Fire

On Saturday, July 31, 2010 at 2:51 AM, the Purchase Fire Department was dispatched to a possible basement fire at 2 Westview in the Springs development. Engine 238 arrived within minutes to find smoke pouring from the house and all occupants waiting outside with Harrison Police. Engine 238 requested a working fire assignment, bringing additional units including a FASTeam from the Town of Mamaroneck, an Engine from West Harrison, and an ambulance from Harrison EMS to the scene, as well as an Engine and Ladder from Port Chester to stand by for other calls.

Engine 238 established a water supply and began an initial attack. Firefighters were met with heavy smoke and heat at the front door. Assisted by a thermal imaging camera, they made their way into the basement where they discovered that the fire had been contained by a broken domestic water line. The intense heat of the fire caused the copper pipe to burst, delivering a shower of water comparable to the action of an operating sprinkler head. Once members confirmed that the fire had been extinguished, Car 2411 cancelled the Town of Mamaroneck FASTeam.

The fire was declared under control at 3:17 AM as units commenced overhaul and ventilation operations. Firefighters verified that the fire had not extended, limiting nearly all damage to the basement level. Fire investigators determined that the fire started near a work bench and appeared to be electrical in nature. All units returned in service at 5:35 AM.