City Island garage fire draws heavy response
The fire broke out shortly before 1:45 p.m. on Minnieford Avenue, where video from the scene showed bright orange flames engulfing the garage as heavy smoke rose into the sky.
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Residents are counting their blessings after a Saturday afternoon fire tore through a garage and destroyed at least one vehicle on City Island.
The fire sent thick, black smoke that was visible from Orchard Beach and prompted a large emergency response.
The fire broke out shortly before 1:45 p.m. on Minnieford Avenue, where video from the scene showed bright orange flames engulfing the garage as heavy smoke rose into the sky.
The garage was heavily damaged and at least one car was destroyed.
Neighbors at the American Legion post next door said they heard what sounded like multiple explosions before they realized a fire had broken out nearby.
“We were setting up for a party in the American Legion and heard a loud explosion and then another one, so we went outside and that’s when we could see the smoke and the fire,” said Matt Butterworth, a neighbor.
Some residents said they attempted to help before firefighters arrived.
Scouse, a longtime City Island resident, said neighbors grabbed a garden hose in an effort to slow the spread of the fire.
“This is the garden hose... it’s the first thing you grab... just a quick sprinkle to help save it,” Scouse said.
Neighbors said firefighters arrived within minutes, with multiple fire trucks filling the block as crews worked to bring the fire under control.
In all, more than 20 units and nearly 80 fire and EMS personnel responded to the scene.
Officials said crews brought the fire under control in less than an hour.
Scouse said the response left him especially grateful for first responders.
“My father is a retired fire captain in the Bronx. They are my heroes. They’re the best,” he said.
James Goonan, a longtime neighbor, said he was relieved the homeowner was not injured.
“Nice gentlemen been here since I was a kid... always known him. I grew up with one of his boys and always been a nice guy helping out with different things,” Goonan said.
Other neighbors expressed relief that no one was hurt.
“Thank God everyone is safe and nobody got hurt,” one resident said.
“Happy to see homeowner is alright,” said another.
“I’m glad he was OK and hope there was nobody in the house or nothing happened to [sic] his car,” a third neighbor said.
Fire officials said no injuries were reported.
A cause of the fire was still unknown as of Saturday night.
