Updated: Fire Engulfs House and Injures Several Residents

Several residents were injured in a house fire at 3901 Gomer Court in Jefferson Valley this morning. 

The fire was reported at approximately 5:20 a.m. Lake Mohegan Fire Department Chief Joseph Mayer said by looking at the structure, it originated in the back of the house. The fire was caused by an improperly installed wood-burning stove, officials said. They have ruled out the fire to be accidental. 

Five residents were injured in the morning blaze, which took until 8 a.m. to get under control. Originally, one person was said to be in a serious condition, there is no word on the victim's conditions yet. Three pets, a dog, cat and a snake were reported dead. 

Two people were transported to the Westchester Medical Center for burns and three were taken to the Hudson Valley Hospital Center for smoke inhalation, Assistant Fire Chief Brian Wolert said. 

The residents, of the two-family home, were woken up by the fire, and although there were initial reports that someone was trapped, Chief Mayer said it was not true.

A passing state trooper, who is a fireman and former chief at the South Salem Fire Department, was on his way to work when he saw the fire and called 911. He went over to the house to alert the residents, and Assistant Chief Wolert said it's in "his blood" to help people in need.

"Upon arrival, people were out of the house and 911 was called," Wolert said.

He said the state trooper had given firefighters an initial size up of what has happened, because as a fireman he knew what they would be looking for. Wolert said one resident had escaped through a window, and the rest of the residents got out through the door. 

Upon arrival of firefighters, the house was engulfed in flames coming through the roof and sides. The house is attached to a commercial business, an auto body shop, which was not affected, Mayer said. Jefferson Valley Towing had an office on the bottom floor of the house. 

Firefighters battled the flames in tough conditions and freezing temperatures as the water on the ground was turning into ice. 

"My men are doing an excellent job considering the conditions" Mayer said.

More than 60 men battled the fire. On the scene were dispatched the Yorktown, Mahopac and Mahopac Falls fire departments. Additional ambulances from Mahopac, Mohegan and Somers were also dispatched. 

The house is a total loss and would have to be torn down, Mayer said. As of 11:30 a.m. firefighters brought in an excavator to bring down half of the house. 

The Red Cross was called to the scene and it will be up to their workers to find housing for the two displaced families.

The story has been updated since its original publication at 7:40 a.m. Stay tuned for more information as it comes in.