Shortly before noontime today, the Cornwall Fire Department was dispatched to an apartment building on fire at 58 Highland Avenue. Firefighters quickly knocked down the fire before it spread.
Dispatchers received numerous phone calls of a fire on the balcony of the house, located near the intersection of Route 9W and Willow Avenue. The incident commander arrived on the scene, observed heavy fire, and transmitted a second alarm.
The Cornwall-on-Hudson Fire Department responded with an engine, the Vails Gate Fire Department with a ladder truck, and the West Point Fire Department with a FAST (Firefighter Assistance & Search Team).
Firefighters were up against gusty winds and low humidity, which enhances fire spread. The fire was knocked down and under control within one hour.
