On July 15, 2021, at 7:17 PM, the Mahopac Falls Vol. Fire Department along with Carmel PD was dispatched to a reported Structure fire on Geymer Drive. 1st Assistant Chief, Robert Trace signed en route at 7:18 PM and was informed by Putnam 911 dispatchers that multiple calls had been received.

While en route, Assistant Chief Trace observed heavy smoke from approximately half a mile away and confirmed a working structure fire. Upon arrival, he transmitted a second alarm.

First arriving companies arrived on scene within 5 minutes of the initial dispatch to find heavy fire on the front and B side of the 2-story wood frame ranch as well as engulfing an unoccupied vehicle located next to the structure. Crews immediately went to work to extinguish the fire on the exterior of the building and performed an aggressive interior attack in an attempt to suppress the fire.
Mutual aid to the scene was provided by Putnam Valley FAS Team, Mahopac Vol. Fire Department, and Mohegan Fire Department. Somers Vol. Fire Department provided in quarters coverage for MFVFD, and Carmel Vol. Fire Department provided coverage for Mahopac Vol. Fire Department while they operated on scene.

1 Firefighter and 1 civilian refused medical attention on scene. The home sustained significant heat and smoke damage throughout and was deemed uninhabitable. The cause of the fire is being investigated for cause and origin by the Putnam County Fire Investigation Team.

In addition, Putnam County Sheriff’s Department was on location.

According to NFPA 1720, Table 4.3.2, in a Suburban area, such as Mahopac Falls, it can take approximately 10 minutes for a volunteer fire department to respond and arrive on scene with minimum staff. On behalf of Assistant Chief Trace, we would like to thank the dedicated members who were able to be on scene within 5 minutes.