“We have numerous teams searching through the rubble” the missing firefighter said Chris Kear, director of fire and emergency services in Rockland County.
Flames erupted inside the Evergreen Adult Court on Lafayette Street shortly after 1 a.m. Tuesday.
Between 20 and 25 residents were rescued by firefighters in what they described as a “chaotic scene”. Some are being treated.
One was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Part of the building collapsed when firefighters battled the blaze.
The missing firefighter is believed to have been on the third floor, Kear said.
He rushed into the burning building to rescue residents. Officials believe he got lost and could not find the way out.
He was one of the first on the scene. He transmitted a May day, but other firefighters were unable to rescue him.
First aid is looking for him and they will use a mini excavator to clean up the rubble.
Two more firefighters were injured. One will be admitted to Westchester Medical Center and another was treated at Hackensack University Medical Center and released.
It appears one of the firefighters suffered a medical condition, possibly a heart attack.
Many displaced residents were transported by bus to nearby facilities, where they are cared for.
Now, officials are trying to account for all residents, though they “believe most are accounted for,” Kear said.
“We think they are, but again we’re checking it again, we’re tripling it, to make sure,” Kear said.
The fire was still out of control six hours later. Firefighters continue to fight “a lot of hot spots” and have been struggling with water supply problems.
The building is a total loss.
Once the fire is extinguished, K9 and other specialized units will search the fire debris for possible casualties.
The property offers an assisted living, facilities for the elderly and continuous care for the elderly.
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