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A dramatic rescue and community support efforts are underway after a two-alarm fire displaced 21 residents from the Royal Gardens Apartments in the town of Ulster.
The blaze, which began as a kitchen fire in a basement apartment, broke out around 1:17 a.m. on Wednesday (January 28). Ulster Hose Co. #5 firefighters arrived to find heavy smoke and flames visible from two sides of the building, with reports of trapped residents.
In a dramatic rescue operation, firefighters saved an elderly woman who was trapped on a second-floor balcony. Captain Boyle climbed a ladder to reach her while Chief Mathew Molinaro and Lt. Fitzgerald assisted in bringing her safely to the ground, according to reports from the Daily Freeman.
"The fire was under control, all searches were completed and the victim was successfully removed within 30 minutes," Chief Molinaro said. Firefighters then ventilated the structure and remained for salvage and overhaul operations.
The fire ultimately affected 11 units at the 45 Birch Street complex, displacing 15 adults and 6 children. Ulster County's Department of Social Services has been actively reaching out to those affected.
"We reached out and got ahold of nearly everyone affected," said Amberly Jane Campbell, assistant deputy county executive, in an email reportd by the Daily Freeman on Thursday. "The displaced residents confirmed that alternative housing was arranged for them through the Red Cross, or they were staying with family."
Campbell added that everyone contacted was advised to reach out to DSS for alternative housing assistance if they were unable to return to their apartments and still needed shelter.
The Hudson Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross has provided emergency assistance to all 21 displaced residents, including financial aid for necessities such as shelter, food, and clothing.
Multiple fire departments responded to the emergency, including crews from Glasco Fire Department who assisted with searches, ventilation, and overhaul. The Centerville Cedar Grove Fire Department provided a FAST team (a dedicated standby crew for firefighter safety), while Hurley Fire Department supplied water. State Police, Ulster Police, Ulster County Emergency Management, fire investigators, and the Town of Ulster building inspector also assisted at the scene.