4:30pm on Saturday afternoon (3/29/25), the OFD along with Ossining EMS were dispatched by Westchester County Fire Control to a reported vehicle into a house with the vehicle and residence on fire. First arriving Engine 97 & Ossining EMS Ambulance (74A1) would in fact arrive to the area of South Highland Avenue & Lincoln Place to a vehicle into the building on fire with the structure involved. A 10-75 (Working Fire Assignment) was requested with Car 2331 (Chief Sanchez) in Command. Doing this would bring additional resources to the scene along with coverage for our district while units were operating.

Members quickly knocked down the vehicle fire along with the immediate area of the structure that was in flames. With quickly spreading fire to the upper floors & roof area, extensive overhaul and opening up was needed to extinguish remaining pockets of fire. The operator of the vehicle self-extricated and fled the scene prior to emergency services arrival. 1 occupant of the multi-apartment residence was home at the time and escaped without injury. In addition, 3 cats were removed safely by Firefighters & Ossining Police Officers.

Once extinguishment was complete and the structure could be fully assessed, it was determined the impact of the vehicle to the structure had compromised its structural integrity. The Westchester County Emergency Services Technical Rescue Team along with WCDES Squad 36 was requested to stabilize or “shore-up” the building. This was necessary to safely remove the vehicle that was supporting portions of the structures corner. Once on scene, members of the WCTRT and the Town of Greenburgh Fire Departments which comprise the special operations squad would stabilize the residence.

All remaining units on the scene cleared shortly before 9:30pm. 1 member operating did receive a minor injury, the firefighter was quickly assessed, treated, and released on scene. During the time of this incident, covering Engine 80 of the Tarrytown Fire Department would handle an additional call in town at 1 Harbor Square along with Tower Ladder 42 and 233-51 (DC Santucci) of a inside gas investigation. Units would handle the condition turning that over to Con Ed Gas and clearing prior to units returning from the scene of the structure fire.

Due to the quick actions of members on scene and the aiding mutual aid departments, the entire multi-family residence was not completely destroyed. The Red Cross was requested to aid the occupants on relocation and or any assistance that might be needed during this time as the building is not inhabitable.

The OFD extends our thanks to all our mutual aid partners for their assistance in this incident. This not being a “normal” structural fire brought resources to our scene we do not normally need to be requested. The expertise and professionalism of these assets and its personnel is greatly appreciated. As of Monday (3/31/25), the Ossining Police Department is still actively investigating this incident and attempting to find the vehicle operator. If anyone has information concerning this incident or the whereabouts off the vehicle operator, please contact Ossining Police direct.