“We have countless teams looking through the rubble,” to the missing firefighter, said Chris Kear, Rockland County’s Director of Fire and Emergency Services.
Just after 1am, flames broke out in the Evergreen Court For Adults on Lafayette Street.
Between 20 and 25 residents were rescued by firefighters, describing what they described as a “chaotic scene”. Some are treated.
One was pronounced dead in the hospital.
Part of the building collapsed as firefighters fought the blaze.
The missing firefighter would have been on the third floor, Kear said.
He ran into the burning building to rescue residents. Officials think he is lost and could not find his way out.
He was one of the first to arrive. He sent out a mayday, but other firefighters couldn’t save him.
First responders search for him and use a mini excavator to clear the debris.
Two other firefighters were injured. One will be admitted to Westchester Medical Center and the other was treated at Hackensack University Medical Center and released.
One of the firefighters appears to have had a medical condition, possibly a heart attack.
Many displaced residents have been taken to nearby facilities on buses to receive shelter.
Officials are now trying to be accountable to all residents, although they “believe most are accountable,” Kear said.
“We think so, but again, we double check, we triple check, just to be sure,” said Kear.
Six hours later, the fire was still out of control. Firefighters are still struggling with “a lot of hotspots” and water supply problems.
The building is a total loss.
Once the fire is out, K9 and other specialized units will search the fire debris for possible casualties.
The facility provides assisted living, nursing home facilities and ongoing care for older adults.
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