By Susan Monteleone
COCHECTON – March 17, 2006 – A late morning fire could have been a lot worse if not for the speed and turnout of the manpower from local fire departments surrounding the Cochecton area.
On Tuesday, March 14, at around 10:30 a.m. smoke could be seen coming from the basement of Tom Campfield's home on Route 97 just on the Town of Tusten/Cochecton town line.
The fire was called into the 911 center, and several fire departments were on scene almost immediately to fight the signal one two-story structure fire.
According to Lake Huntington Fire Department Chief Jason Kraack, the fire was quickly brought under control, but water, fire and smoke damage was apparent on the right side of the structure’s interior – rendering the house uninhabitable.
"We had over eight fire companies responding to the, call and we had a great turnout of personnel to help,” Kraack said.
“Usually this time of year a lot of guys are laid off and are home, and that surely helped us here today," he stated.
Kraack added, "The fire, which seems to have started in the basement on the right side of the home moved to the first floor right side and then the upper level, also on the right side. There is fire , smoke, and water damage to the inside of that side of the home.
“I cannot say enough what a great job these fireman did here today,” he reiterated. “They got the fire under control in a quick manner, response time was quick and they did save the structure. It is tough when you see a family’s loss, but these fireman here today I am very proud of and they did a great job. "
Narrowsburg Fire Chief Craig Burkle who was also on scene agreed with Kraack.
“It is a tragedy when a family has a loss to a fire,” he said. “But this fire is a credit to all of the fireman that showed up here today. They got right to work and saved the structure, and when you still have the structure and the roof remains you know you did the best you could to save it.
“Sometimes you can't, but the firemen here today did a great job in fighting this fire."
Fire departments on scene included Lake Huntington, Narrowsburg, Lava, Callicoon, Hortonville, and Jeffersonville with Welcome Lake and Beach Lake both of Pennsylvania.
The Tusten Ambulance was also on the scene. On standby were members of the Jeffersonville department, Yulan and White Lake.
The fire remains under investigation, and no one was home when the fire started.