Goldens Bridge Deputy Fire Chief Puts Out Tow Truck Blaze, Stops Brush Fire Near Train Tracks

The incident began at around 8:20 a.m. on Friday, April 10, when Goldens Bridge Deputy Fire Chief Robert Melillo was driving southbound on I-684 when he got a call from a fellow firefighter who had just been involved in a minor crash near Exit 6 in Katonah.
Melillo headed to the scene, where two vehicles were pulled over on the narrow shoulder. While checking on those involved and using his emergency lights to warn passing drivers, the situation suddenly escalated, according to the Goldens Bridge Fire Department — a tow truck that had arrived to help began emitting black smoke from its cab. The driver grabbed a small fire extinguisher but quickly backed away as the smoke got thicker. That’s when Melillo sprang into action. Fire officials said he ran to his vehicle, threw on his gear, grabbed a fire extinguisher, and rushed to the tow truck. Climbing into the cab, he was able to knock down the flames in about 90 seconds before they could spread further. According to the department, the quick response likely prevented a much worse situation, including the possibility of the fire reaching the truck’s engine or fuel tank. There was also concern that the flames could have spread to nearby dry brush along the highway, with Metro-North train tracks close by. State Police were already at the scene handling the earlier crash, and more fire crews from Katonah responded shortly after. The incident caused brief delays during the morning commute. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. It’s the second time in recent days Melillo has found himself stepping into an emergency on I-684 — earlier this month, he intervened to stop a driver who had fallen asleep for several miles. "Who says lightning doesn't strike twice? Emergencies on Interstate 684 are making a habit of finding Deputy Fire Chief Robert Melillo of the Golden’s Bridge Fire Department," a department spokesman said on Friday.