Fighting Fire Complicated By Limited Access To Space Above Ceiling

RYE, NY — Fire investigators say that electrical issues were likely responsible for a weekend house fire.

Shortly before 5 a.m on Sunday, the Rye Fire Department responded to a report of a fire on Lane Way. It was initially reported that the front door of the home had caught fire, but may have been extinguished prior to the arrival of emergency personnel.

But, this emergency was only beginning.

The first crews on the scene spotted smoke coming from the roof of the structure, prompting the transmission of a 10-75 "working fire," which initiated additional resources and personnel to the scene.

Firefighters quickly determined that the fire had spread into the void space above the vaulted ceiling — an area that had no direct access.

Because of this limited access, crews had to pull down portions of the ceiling, cut through the roof, and open the gable ends of the structure to reach the fire and extinguish it.

The fire was put out, and all units were cleared at 7:31 a.m.

The Westchester County Cause and Origin Team was called in to investigate and determined that the fire was caused by an electrical issue.

"The Rye Fire Department would like to extend sincere thanks to all of our mutual aid partners who responded to the scene or provided coverage for the remainder of the city during the operation," fire officials said in a statement released on Sunday. "The Rye Fire Department encourages residents to prioritize fire safety by having an evacuation plan in place and ensuring that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly."