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Shortly before 4 a.m. on Wednesday, fire crews were dispatched to a Milford Drive residence, where there was a reported fire in the basement of a structure. Flames were visible from the ground floor before firefighters were able to get the blaze under control.
According to fire officials, five firefighters were injured while battling the blaze, all of whom have been transported to a local hospital for treatment. Officials said that one firefighter suffered burns and other injuries after falling through the basement stairs, into the fire. However, officials said that his boot caught the top step and prevented him from falling completely into the flames.
None of the injuries are believed to be life threatening. In total, 20 members of the fire department were involved in the response.
In a statement, White Plains Mayor Thomas Roach praised the fire department for their swift, "professional," response. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
"The White Plains Fire Department responded quickly and professionally early this morning to a structure fire on Milford Close in the Soundview neighborhood. Our firefighters did an outstanding job and the fire was extinguished quickly. Five firefighters required medical attention. They were all treated at White Plains Hospital and released. The residents of the home exited prior to the firefighters' arrival."
In a message on Facebook, the White Plains Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 274 posted that “unfortunately, Ladder 34, which protects the south side of White Plains, was once again out of service due to staffing shortages.”
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