Red Cross Helping Family Of 8 Displaced By Overnight Electrical Fire

MOUNT VERNON, NY — An overnight electrical fire has left a Mount Vernon family unable to return home, but a rapid response by firefighters is being credited for keeping an unfortunate situation from being much worse.

The Mount Vernon Fire Department responded to a distress call at 6:44 p.m. at a home on S. 10th Avenue, on Thursday night. Firefighters arrived on the scene at 6:47 p.m. and efficiently brought the fire under control by 7:16 p.m., according to officials.

The fire department initially received a call reporting smoke in the area. Once on the scene, minutes later, it was determined that the source of the smoke was a basement fire located towards the front of the house.

All occupants were safely out of the house when emergency responders arrived. A secondary search confirmed that there was no extension of the fire within the home.

Two cats, one dog, and one rabbit were rescued from the home. Despite the fire department limiting damage to the home, the family will need to relocate temporarily due to the damage caused by the fire. The Red Cross will be aiding the family of eight members affected by the fire.

The origin of the fire has been identified as electrical by investigators. An investigation into the incident continues to determine the specific cause.

The Mount Vernon Fire Department emphasized the importance of electrical safety and urges residents to take necessary precautions to prevent such incidents.

"The Mount Vernon Fire Department commends its team, the Mount Vernon Police Department, Buildings Department and Office of Emergency Management for their rapid response and effective control of the situation, ensuring the safety of the community," officials said in a statement.