Searching for Life Without a Line

Here is another approach to the previous post on Engine Co. Rescue.  These firefighters opted to make an aggressive search without the protection of a handline.  Their size-up of the situation allowed them to make three successful rescues.  This type of decision can only be made based on your experience and the knowledge of building construction, fire behavior and the capabilities of your personnel. 

BEACON — Firefighters risked their lives to rescue the occupants of a house ravaged by fire that left one woman in critical condition and two others with burns at Westchester Medical Center.

Investigators are still working to determine the cause of the fire that engulfed the front of the three-apartment, two-story house on Ackerman Street on Monday night.

Beacon firefighter Mark Romanelli was the first to arrive at the fire after the call came at 9:14 p.m. to screams coming from inside the house. Romanelli hustled up the staircase where home health aide Daphne O’Connor, 55, was trying to get Lucy LeClaire, 86, to safety. Romanelli grabbed O’Connor by the arm and brought her out of the house and across the street.
Romanelli re-entered with Beacon firefighter Matthew Smith and aided LeClaire, who was slumped over in a chairlift at the top of the stairs. They carried her out of the house and gave her to Beacon Volunteer Ambulance Corps for treatment.

Beacon firefighter Brian Davis entered the house and went up the stairs to search the back apartment. He was met by two Village of Fishkill firefighters, Danny Burke and Brandon Knapp, who discovered homeowner Dennis Meyer, 66, lying unconscious on the floor.

Davis and Village of Fishkill firefighter Brian Canero carried Meyer down a ladder in the back of the house with the assistance of Dean Scofield, Village of Fishkill fire chief. Meyer was turned over to Mobile Life Support.

Officials said they think the blaze is not suspicious but hope to have more information within a few days, Mike Witkowski, public information officer for the City of Beacon Fire Department and Emergency Management, said Wednesday.

An update on the victims’ condition was not available Wednesday night.