Two dogs perish in Coxsackie house fire

COXSACKIE―A house fire that broke out Monday night in the village claimed the lives of two dogs.

It was just before 8 p.m. that Greene County 911 dispatched the Coxsackie Fire Department to 54 Lafayette Avenue for a report of a structure fire. Due to callers reporting visible smoke and flames, Earlton Fire Department and Cornell Hook & Ladder Fire Company were also requested to the scene.

According to Coxsackie Fire Chief Stephen Salluce, Jr., no one was home when the blaze broke out but two dogs were inside. The dogs were pulled from the house but despite lifesaving measures by EMS they did not survive.

“While performing the initial attack in the area of the woodstove in the residence, there was a partial structural collapse from the first floor into the basement due to the compromised floor, in which a firefighter suffered minor injuries,” according to the Coxsackie Fire Department.

That firefighter was treated at the scene by EMS and returned to duty.

The house sustained damage, Salluce said, but ultimately was not a total loss.

On Tuesday, a gofundme.com page was launched to support the family.

“As many of you are aware, there was a house fire last night at 54 Lafayette Ave, Coxsackie,” wrote organizer Ashley Lostritto.

“The Roberts family is known throughout the community and are always willing to help anyone, anytime, regardless of what you need help with. Also, as many are aware, the Roberts also lost their two dogs due to smoke inhalation last night,” she added.

“I am sure their homeowners will cover an extent of things; however, I am also sure that there is an extent of things that they will still need,” she explained, noting that many people have asked how to help and that all contributions, no matter how small, are appreciated.

Also responding to the scene was the Athens Volunteer Fire Department, Medway-Grapeville Fire Company, Greene County Paramedics, Greenville Ambulance, American Red Cross, Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp., Coxsackie Police Department, New York State Police, Village of Coxsackie Code Enforcement, Village of Coxsackie DPW and Greene County Fire Investigation Team.

Anyone who would like to donate to help can do so at https://gofund.me/9fa223275.

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