On Monday, September 13, 2021 at 10:30 PM, the Purchase Fire Department was dispatched to a motor vehicle fire inside of a parking garage at 2000 Westchester Ave. Car 2411 requested a structural assignment due to the potential hazards and size of the parking structure. This upgrade brought in an
Engine from the West Harrison Fire Department and Tower Ladder from the Port Chester Fire Department to the scene.

On arrival, units were met with a heavy smoke condition coming from the garage and were advised of a deep-seated vehicle fire. It became clear that access to the vehicle would be complicated and a 10-75 (Working Fire Assignment) was transmitted. On the transmission of the 10-75 an additional Engine from the West Harrison Fire Department, Town of Mamaroneck F.A.S.T, Battalion 19 & Harrison EMS were dispatched.

Firefighters searched through heavy smoke to locate the vehicle on fire approximately 500 feet inside of the garage. Engine 241 with assistance from our mutual aid partners placed the initial hose line into operation. The remaining companies simultaneously performed searches of the vehicle and remaining areas of the large parking structure.

As the incident further developed air management became a growing concern. Firefighters were required to use their breathing air for an extended period to reach the fire. Members were also operating in the IDLH with no immediate means of egress. Reports were given to the Incident Command Post that smoke was travelling into the main building. The need for Carbon Monoxide monitoring and search became necessary.

At 10:48 PM, a Second Alarm was transmitted bringing in assistance from North White Plains (Engine 74), Village of Mamaroneck (Tower Ladder 20), Port Chester EMS, Valhalla EMS Rehab. Port Chester (Rescue 40) was also requested as an extra unit above the Second Alarm for manpower.

These second alarm units assisted with searches of elevators, stairwells inside of the building, monitored for carbon monoxide, and began ventilation operations.

Our Firefighter Assist & Search Team from the Town of Mamaroneck Fire Department stood fast until the incident was brought under control. Port Chester Rescue 40 augmented the F.A.S.T Operation with a second team due to the complex location and large area members were operating. Battalion 19 assisted with resource management at the Command Post. Harrison EMS remained on-scene for the duration of the incident until the potential for injury to public safety personnel had ceased. The incident was brought under control at 11:43 PM as units commenced operations.

The Purchase Fire Department would also like to thank the Harrison Police Department, the dispatchers at 60 Control as well as all Mutual Aid Companies for their assistance.