Golden's Bridge Firefighters Swiftly Transition from Brush Fire Response to Mutual Aid Structure Fire Suppression at Mercedes-Benz Dealership

The Golden’s Bridge Fire Department responded to a rapidly evolving emergency Wednesday (May 20) afternoon after initially being dispatched at 3:16 p.m. to reports of downed power lines and a brush fire at Green Hill Road and Green Lane, the roads behind the Mercedes-Benz dealership on Route 22.

But Golden’s Bridge firefighters swiftly transitioned from brush fire operations to structure fire suppression when they noticed thick black smoke billowing from a section of the roof of the newly constructed Mercedes-Benz building. Command on scene upgraded the emergency to an active structure fire at 4:06 p.m., triggering mutual aid response from fire services of surrounding Northern Westchester towns.

Investigators from the Cause and Origin Team of the Westchester County Department of Emergency Services later determined that the initial dispatch escalated to an electrical fire on the roof of the Mercedes building as a result of an electrical supply failure caused by the downed power lines, which had been toppled by a large tree limb. This also ignited the brush fire.

Firefighters had to wait for NYSEG emergency crews to arrive on scene and cut power before they could attack both the brush and structure fires, according to Golden’s Bridge fire officials, noting that water on an electrical fire is extremely dangerous to firefighters. Isolating electricity became the priority, according to officials, to prevent electrocution hazards.

Further complicating the incident was a backup generator supplying power to air conditioning units that caught fire on the roof of the Mercedes facility. That power source also had to be isolated before firefighters could attack the roof fire.

When they arrived on scene, firefighters encountered a burning utility pole and live power lines ablaze on the ground. Before suppression operations could begin, command immediately contacted NYSEG requesting that electrical power be shut down.

After noticing thick black smoke rising from the roof of the Mercedes building, command transmitted to the dispatch control center that a 10-75, code for active structure fire, was in progress and requested mutual aid assistance. The building was evacuated immediately after crews observed the exterior smoke conditions.

Golden’s Bridge Fire Department officials said firefighters rapidly transitioned tactics from brush fire to structure fire operations. Crews geared up with self-contained breathing apparatus and various hand tools, including axes, Halligan bars, and hand lines. They placed extension ladders against the building to be ready to attack the roof fire as soon as they received the all-clear that electrical power sources were shut down and the roof and ground were no longer energized.

During the incident, a transformer on nearby Old Bedford Rd. on the west side of Interstate 684 caught fire due to shifted electrical load conditions, according to fire officials.

Firefighters also had to contend with severe thunderstorms moving through the area during the operation. Mother Nature got an assist for helping mutual aid departments suppress the brush fire.

The Golden’s Bridge Fire Department responded with a tanker, rescue, and three engines. Mutual aid assistance was provided by South Salem Fire Department, Croton Falls Fire Department, and ladder trucks from Katonah Fire Department and Bedford Hills Fire Department. Vista and Somers Fire Department covered emergency calls in the Golden’s Bridge Fire District that were dispatched, including the transformer fire on Old Bedford Rd., during the Mercedes-Benz multi-incident response. Also on scene were Lewisboro Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Somers EMS, Westchester EMS, and the Westchester County Department of Emergency Services.

Operations concluded at approximately 5:42 p.m. after firefighters examined for hot spots on the roof and active embers at the brush fire. Crews from truck and engine company operations cut roof ventilation holes and opened some parts of the ceiling inside the Mercedes facility to make sure the fire had not spread in the building’s interior.

Golden’s Bridge Fire Department officials said the cooperation among all responding agencies and a well-coordinated response resulted in a smooth and successful operation under challenging conditions in a unique dual incident scene. The combined efforts of the mutual aid fire departments helped prevent any further damage to the Mercedes facility and the brush fire from spreading. No civilian or firefighter injuries were reported.