By: Richard L. Smith
Firefighters battled a stubborn two-alarm blaze that spread between two residential structures early Saturday morning in Irvington, prompting an extensive response and a temporary concern that a resident may have been trapped inside.
According to preliminary reports, crews were dispatched to a fire at approximately 4:15 a.m. in the area of 57 Cummings Street.
Upon arrival, firefighters encountered a working fire in a 2½-story dwelling, with flames eventually extending through the roof.
As conditions worsened, incident commanders requested a second alarm at approximately 4:18 a.m. to bring additional manpower and equipment to the scene.
During the height of the incident, command reported that one occupant was unaccounted for and requested an immediate primary search of the second floor.
Firefighters simultaneously worked to contain rapidly spreading flames that had extended into a neighboring structure.
By approximately 4:27 a.m., crews reported that the main body of fire had been knocked down.
However, firefighters continued battling heavy fire conditions in both buildings while conducting searches and checking for extension.
At approximately 4:57 a.m., officials reported that all visible fire in the exposure building had been extinguished and that primary and secondary searches were completed with negative results.
Fire companies then conducted personnel accountability checks.
The fire was declared under control shortly after 5 a.m., and by 5:08 a.m., command confirmed that all occupants from both structures had been accounted for.
No injuries were immediately reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
RLS Media will provide additional information as it becomes available.