Bergen, NY - The Bergen Fire Department was dispatched to 7665 Swamp Road for a reported house fire this afternoon. Chief Paul Cummings reported heavy fire from the garage of the single-story residence upon his arrival.
Mutual aid was requested from 13 area departments, which either assisted at the scene or filled in. Chief Cummings reported "we were short on manpower" in this all-volunteer, rural community.
During their attack on the fire, it became unsafe for firefighters to operate inside the structure and an exterior attack eventually brought the stubborn fire under control. One firefighter said that "the extensive collection of personal belongings gathered inside made it hazardous to be inside."
A neighbor reported hearing a "pop or explosion" shortly before he witnessed firetrucks pulling up outside.
An excavator from Thompson and Dilcher was brought to the scene to raze the structure and few personal belongings were salvageable.
The Genesee County Office of Emergency Management was investigating the cause of the fire and the American Red Cross was providing assistance to two adults.
The following departments reposnded to the scene or provided fill-ins; LeRoy, Churchville, Chili, Clifton, City of Batavia, Town of Batavia, Brockport, Byron, South Byron, Stafford, Spencerport, Pavillion and Clarendon.
Visit www.bergenfiredept.com for more information or to volunteer.
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I hope everyone is safe.
I hope everyone is safe.
No injuries.
No injuries.