Firefighters from multiple departments worked in unison to battle a fierce blaze in Crystal Beach, with responders from Canandaigua offering an on-the-ground perspective of the challenges and coordination required to bring the fire under control.
The fire, which originated in an attached garage, drew crews from the Crystal Beach Fire Department along with mutual aid from Canandaigua, Rushville, Middlesex, Hopewell, and Gorham fire departments. According to the Canandaigua Professional Firefighters I.A.F.F. Local 2098, A-shift crews played a key role in the initial response.
Truck 281, led by Captain Palumbo and Firefighter Jake Bement, and Engine 211, staffed by Firefighters Matt Bement and Keghan Kelly, arrived as the first and second units on scene. The four firefighters quickly stretched lines and began the critical task of extinguishing the fire.
A short video shared by the Canandaigua Fire Department captures the tense moments on the fireground, showing the array of operations that unfold during a working fire. Crews are seen establishing water supply lines, conducting aggressive attacks on flames, searching for victims and animals, venting the structure to release smoke and heat, and navigating the chaotic and hazardous environment.
“Firefighters have to establish water, stretch lines, make an aggressive attack on the fire, search for possible victims, animals, and/or the seat of the fire, vent the structure, and much more,” a department statement noted.
Firefighting operations in such conditions are physically demanding and require precise coordination among multiple agencies. From the initial water supply setup to the final extinguishment and overhaul of the scene, every role is critical to ensuring the safety of both firefighters and residents.
The Canandaigua Volunteer Fire Department covered the city of Canandaigua while crews were committed to the Crystal Beach response, ensuring continued protection for local residents.
In reflecting on the collaborative effort, the Canandaigua Fire Department praised the dedication of all responders and highlighted the importance of mutual aid partnerships in handling large-scale emergencies.
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