Fire and ice: Yonkers firefighters battle brutal cold in 2‑alarm blaze on Nepperhan Avenue
Despite the rapid spread of the fire, the family inside escaped safely after smoke alarms sounded. Con Edison shut down a nearby power line that posed an additional hazard.
A two-alarm fire that broke out early Monday morning on Nepperhan Avenue in Yonkers is out after firefighters battled what officials called some of the harshest winter conditions they have faced.
It was reported around 6 a.m. as an electrical outlet fire on the second floor of a single-family home. Strong winds, freezing temperatures and ice quickly complicated efforts, as hoses froze and water turned to ice on the ground. Crews also dealt with a collapsed roof and water pressure issues.
Deputy Fire Chief Joseph Citrone described the situation as a “worst-case scenario,” saying the extreme cold created dangerous conditions and a high risk of frostbite. Firefighters rotated through rehab buses equipped with heaters and water to stay safe.
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Despite the rapid spread of the fire, the family inside escaped safely after smoke alarms sounded. Con Edison shut down a nearby power line that posed an additional hazard.
No injuries were reported, and the fire was contained to the home, preventing damage to neighboring houses.
