WATERTOWN, NY —Â City Fire Dale C. Herman released the following statement at 11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20, 2019:
At 5:04 p.m. Friday, Jefferson County 911 Dispatch received calls of a large amount of black smoke coming from a home at the corner of Ten Eyck and Dimmick Streets in the City of Watertown.
Upon arrival of the first arriving crews, they had identified a working structure fire at 339 Ten Eyck Street. Due to the amount of fire involvement, crews initiated an exterior fire attack using a deck gun on Engine 1 to knock down the large volume of flames.
The home’s primary electrical line burned away and dropped in the street, while still being energized which was an immediate safety concern that had to be avoided. This electrical line impacted initial attempts to secure a positive water supply. Once the fire was knocked down, crews made entry into the structure to conduct a primary search and continue fire suppression.
Fire operations were aided by the timeliness of the fire as crews were conducting shift change and the short travel distance from the Massey Street Fire Station to the scene. Crews were assisted on scene by Fort Drum Fire, Watertown Police, DPW, Water Department and Code Enforcement along with National Grid and Guilfoyle Ambulance Services.
There were no injuries reported and a family pet was found outside by the neighbors.
The home is insured and owned by Richard P. Donoghue of Pillar Point, who is a retired Acting Fire Chief for the City of Watertown Fire Department. His granddaughter resides at the home and was at work when the fire was discovered.
Fire Investigators have concluded that the fire originated in the front living room of the residence, but the source of ignition has not been identified and awaiting further investigation by insurance investigators.
CITY OF WATERTOWN FIRE DEPARTMENT
Dale C. Herman
Fire Chief, EFO
