Peekskill Firefighters Back on Fremont Dousing Hot Spots

Yesterday as the 20-unit building was destroyed by fire, Peekskill Middle School was opened as a shelter and help center.

Eight volunteer firemen were treated and released from hospital for heat related injuries, said Peekskill Mayor Frank Catalina.

Another 24 were treated at the scene, according to The Journal News.

In all, 103 people were made homeless; they are being offered assistance by the American Red Cross.

“I will be setting up a relief fund for these victims that have lost everything,” Catalina said on Facebook. “Details will follow. God bless our firemen and the neighboring departments who were on the scene for hours away from their families assisting in mutual aid. Great job by out great fire Chiefs, Fiorio, Malaspina, and Rose who along with Deputy Chiefs like Pappas and Boddie getting the job done in 90 degree heat.”

Peekskill Office of Emergency Management staff members worked with the Red Cross, the Peekskill Police Department reported on Facebook. “Thank you to the Peekskill City School District for their assistance and for opening up the Middle School as a shelter. Several school leaders were on hand serving food and making those displaced by the fire feel comfortable.”

Among the district officials helping were Superintendent Dr. Fine and Mary Foster, Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Education.

PHOTO: Peekskill Fire Department Pictures

Correction: Assistant Superintendent Mary Foster’s title was incorrect in the original version of this report. Patch regrets the error.