Boxes on stovetop sparked fire in Catskill apartment

CATSKILL―Firefighters in Catskill averted what could have been a devastating fire at a four-unit apartment building.

The Catskill Fire Company was dispatched at 12:12 p.m. on Sunday for a reported structure fire at 61 Thompson Street. All occupants were out of the building, but pets were reported to be trapped inside.

Firefighters were able to knock down all visible fire and located a cat which the department reported “was found alive and very chipper.”

“The tenants had just moved in and a lot of boxes were stored in the living room/kitchen area. Some boxes were stored on the stovetop and either a cat or a box inadvertently hit the burner switch causing the boxes and the area above to burn,” the Catskill Fire Company reported.

“The smoke was floor to ceiling as the residents returned home to discover the fire,” they added.

After all obvious fire was extinguished, firefighters worked on pulling burned areas and checking to ensure it had not spread, something they called “a huge problem in any fire but especially the time period of this structure.”

Mutual aid was called in from Athens, Hudson and Earlton. Also on scene was Catskill Ambulance and the Catskill Police Department.

“We supplied the tenants gift cards to JJ Smokehouse that they graciously donated a while back. Kudos to them,” the Catskill Fire Company reported.

Firefighters are hoping the community can learn from the situation, which could have turned out a lot worse.

“Most of us at some point use the stovetop for short periods other than cooking. This young couple just moving in now suffered a setback. Their cat was saved and most of the apartment and building are still livable. Again, a learning moment or reminder as a community,” the Catskill Fire Company stated.