NEW HEMPSTEAD: Fire Breaks Out at Friedwald Nursing Home, Patient Rescued and Hospitalized With Burn-Related Injuries

Early Friday morning at approximately 1:00 a.m., emergency personnel responded to a reported room fire on the top floor of the Friedwald nursing home on New Hempstead Road. Upon arrival, firefighters were advised that one patient was trapped inside the burning room and was successfully rescued by the Hillcrest Fire Department with assistance from New Square Emergency Services. The patient was transported to a local hospital with burn-related injuries.

During the incident, the building’s sprinkler system activated and burst, causing significant water damage throughout parts of the facility. As a precaution, multiple elderly residents were evacuated from their rooms and relocated to a safe area within the nursing home.

Monsey Scoop notes the heroic actions of the Friedwald House nursing home staff, whose nurses acted swiftly before first responders arrived by evacuating dozens of patients from both the fire floor and the floor below. Staff members pulled residents to safety on mattresses and relocated them to the dining area, actions that significantly minimized injuries and ensured the safety of residents, with the exception of the one patient injured in the room where the fire originated.

Following the fire, volunteers from Chaverim of Rockland responded to assist with cleanup efforts. Chaverim members arrived with pumps, wet and dry vacuums, and additional equipment to help remove water and mitigate further damage inside the building.

Hillcrest Fire Department, Ramapo Police, Hatzoloh EMS, Spring Hill EMS, and Rockland Paramedics all responded to the scene. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.