Rockland official reiterates safety message after a homeowner calls unofficial fire group before 911
Rockland official is again reminding the public to call 911 for emergencies after a homeowner called an unofficial fire group first earlier this week.
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A Rockland official is again reminding the public to call 911 for emergencies after a homeowner called an unofficial fire group first earlier this week.
"We need to encourage people to call 911. This is serious business. Fire is very serious business," said Chris Kear, the director of Rockland's Fire and Emergency services.
He tells News 12 that local firefighters went to a unit in a multi-family home on Blauvelt Road in Monsey on Tuesday.
They were met with an oven fire that began spreading to the kitchen around the appliance.
Pictures given to News 12 show fire damaged the oven and back wall.
Kear adds before that, the homeowner first called an unofficial fire group, Matzilei Aish, also known as "RCMA."
He believes "RCMA" eventually called 911 and the Monsey fire department was then sent.
Kear says the stove was pulled away from the wall without the gas being disconnected first and noticed a large fan being used the wrong way.
"Fresh air into the building when you still have a fire and a gas leak, you're just looking to exacerbate the fire," said Kear. "The fire needs oxygen to burn, so that can make those conditions worse. So definitely improper operations and could create a dangerous situation for everyone involved."
Ramapo police say no one was hurt and confirm the homeowner called the group first.
News 12 reached out to "RCMA" for comment and have not yet heard back.
Rockland officials have criticized the group saying they lack proper training.
As we reported last year, a member is facing a charge for allegedly interfering during a fire in Kaser.
