Update: Midnight House Fire in Dobbs Ferry Sends One to ER

Thirty-eight-year residents of Walgrove Avenue, their two dogs and cat narrowly escaped a house fire last night, but one volunteer firefighter on the scene was not as lucky.

Just after midnight Monday morning a fire broke out at a 59 Walgrove Avenue. 

Residents Emma and William Derossi were both in the house at the time, however a firefighter was taken to St. John's Riverside Hospital for heat exhaustion and dehydration, Sargent Martin Coster, of Dobbs Ferry police, said.

According to a spokeswoman for the hospital, the fireman was "treated and released" during the night.  Police would not release the identity of the injured man. 

Despite the late hour Emma Derossi was awake to sense the flames , which she described as having originated in the basement, within the wall between the bathroom and garage.

"I came out of the shower and smelled smoke," she said. "We have no idea what caused it; it is still under investigation."

Dobbs Ferry volunteer firefighters were on the scene almost immediately, William Derossi said, and shortly after called Hastings fire department for back up.  

"The fire departments were excellent," Derossi said. Although neither he nor his wife had reentered the house as of 6:30 a.m. Monday, they were fairly certain the damage had been contained.

"The flames were not visible from the outside," Mr. Derossi said. 

The Derossis have been relocated until the the investigation is complete, Coster said.  Fire investigators are now working to discover the cause.  

Relieved and exhausted after a sleepless night, the couple set off on a walk with their dogs Monday morning with the hope they would soon be able to reenter their home.  

"I desperately need a cup of tea," Emma Derossi said.