A Chappaqua house was severely damaged in a Wednesday afternoon house fire, which led to its roof collapsing. The facade of the building near a chimney was just a skeletal-like side remaining on one section.
The structure is located at 33 Carolyn Place, near the border with Armonk. The smell of a fire was easily detectable.
The cause of the fire was accidental in nature and the blaze started in the laundry room, according to preliminary findings from Westchester County's cause and origin team.
Greg Bologna, Chappaqua's second assistant chief, said that he was dispatched around 1:04 p.m. When he arrived he recalled seeing "very, very light smoke." However, the fire soon extended, leading to the severe blaze.
First responders from town and several neighboring communities came to the scene. Locally, the Chappaqua Fire Department, New Castle police and Chappaqua Volunteer Ambulance Corps came to the house. Mutual aid was also provided by Pleasantville ambulance, Westchester EMS and firefighters from Mount Kisco, Pleasantville, Armonk, Millwood, Thornwood, Bedford Hills, Banksville and Ossining. Pleasantville and Briarcliff Manor firefighters were on standby.
Firefighters spent hours at the scene, both in knocking down the fire and in doing overhaul.
There were no injuries and the Berman family, who live in the home, escaped unharmed.
"Everyone's fine," Bernie Berman said. He was thankful for the first responders and noted that several friends have already offered to help them.
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