A family was displaced Saturday afternoon after firefighters battled a three-alarm house fire in freezing temperatures at 4 Haskell Road in Airmont.
The fire was reported at approximately 12:15 p.m., drawing a large multi-agency response. Firefighters from West Nyack, Tallman, Suffern, Spring Valley, Sloatsburg, Hillburn, Nanuet, Monsey, Hillcrest, and Mahwah fire departments responded, along with Ramapo Police and Faist EMS.
Upon arrival, crews encountered heavy flames and smoke pouring from the front door and windows. Before fire units fully arrived, Ramapo Police Chief Dan Hyman, who was off duty at the time, noticed smoke coming from the home and stopped to help. Chief Hyman observed an occupant trapped at an upstairs window with thick smoke rapidly filling the room.
With the assistance of a civilian’s ladder, Chief Hyman climbed up and coached the individual to break through the window. The occupant fell onto the slanted roof, where Chief Hyman helped guide him onto the ladder and safely down to a neighboring driveway. Due to intense flames and heavy smoke, the chief was unable to enter the residence to search further. It was later confirmed that no additional occupants were inside the home, though some animals were lost in the fire.
Chief Hyman was treated for minor smoke inhalation at Good Samaritan Hospital. The rescued occupant, who suffered significant smoke inhalation and lacerations, was transported by EMS to Westchester Medical Center.
Ramapo Supervisor Michael Specht praised the chief’s actions, telling Monsey Scoop:
“I commend Chief Hyman for his selfless act of heroism. By springing into action to rescue a resident in immediate danger at risk to his own safety, Chief Hyman demonstrates that he leads the Ramapo Police Department by example and exemplifies the highest standard of public service, professionalism, and caring for others.”
Fire officials are continuing to investigate the cause of the blaze.
