Fire heavily damages Coldenham Fire House, multiple fire trucks in Walden
Five firefighters suffered minor injuries and smoke inhalation while battling the blaze, officials say.
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A fire heavily damaged the Coldenham Fire House and multiple department fire trucks Tuesday morning, according to Orange County Emergency Services.
Officials say the fire is now under control, but the building on Coldenham Road in Walden and several pieces of apparatus sustained extensive damage. The cause remains under investigation.
Five firefighters were taken to Garnet Health Medical Center and Montefiore St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital to be evaluated for minor injuries and smoke inhalation. Orange County Emergency Services says all five have since been treated and released.
Viewer images shared with News 12 show flames and heavy smoke pouring from the firehouse as firefighters worked to contain the blaze.
In a statement Tuesday evening, Coldenham Fire District Chief Matthew Hunt said the department is “beyond heartbroken” over the loss of its firehouse and the equipment firefighters “take so much pride in.”
Hunt said firefighters have begun cleaning up, taking inventory and working to restore normal operations. Despite the damage, he said the department has continued responding to emergency calls with limited resources.
Hunt also thanked neighboring fire departments for assisting at the scene and the community for its overwhelming support throughout the day. He said all injured firefighters have been released from the hospital and asked residents to continue supporting the department, but said no additional food donations are needed because there is nowhere to safely store them.
“We love our community and will remain here to assist however we can through thick and thin,” Hunt said.
Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus said the firehouse sustained significant damage and may be a partial or total loss. He said several fire trucks and pumpers were destroyed, with only one or two potentially salvageable.
Neuhaus said neighboring fire departments will help fill the gap while county and fire officials work on a long-term plan to ensure uninterrupted emergency coverage.
“The Coldenham firefighters will continue protecting their residents, but they will be working closely with surrounding districts that will provide the necessary apparatus,” Neuhaus said.
The investigation into what sparked the fire is ongoing.
