06/06/2026
At 1132 On Thursday June 4th the Cossayuna Volunteer Fire Department along with our 1st alarm mutual aid assignment were dispatched to a reported house explosion with occupants trapped inside. During response Cossayuna command was advised that it was a confirmed house explosion with one male occupant unaccounted for. Upon arrival the male subject was coming out of the front door with the assistance of a neighbor. Command confirmed with the subject that everyone was out of the house except for 2 dogs. Due to the amount of damage to the structure and the amount of fire involved command made the decision to fight the fire in a defensive manor only and a 2nd alarm was struck. The homeowners were evaluated on scene by medical personal and were transported to a local hospital for precautionary evaluation. They were released later the following morning. Units operated on scene until the early hours of the morning, with the last units leaving shortly after 4am. Washington county fire investigation team and the fire department returned to the scene at 8am to conduct a thorough investigation and extinguish any remaining hot spots. The investigation concluded that the explosion was due to a buildup of propane gasses in the basement of the structure which were most likely ignited by the contact points of the water pressure pump switch.
We at the Cossayuna Fire Department would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all of our mutual aid partners who assisted us during this call. Argyle Fire and EMS, Greenwich Fire and Easton Greenwich EMS, Hebron Fire, Salem Fire, Shushan Fire, Middle Falls Fire, Washington County Sheriffs, New York State Police, Washington County Fire Investigators, and Washington County Department of Public Safety.
