07/27/2026
Yesterday morning at 09:14, the Oriskany Falls Volunteer Fire Department, along with our 1st alarm mutual aid partners, were dispatched to a reported structure fire on Hewitt Road in the Town of Augusta. Car 1(R. Petrie) arrived at 09:17 finding heavy smoke coming from the eaves of a 2 ½ story farmhouse and declared a working fire. Car 2 (Dowd) arrived shortly after and assumed operations, Car 3 (T. Johnson) coordinated the first due engine setup and suppression operations and G. Pedersen was assigned Safety Officer. Deansboro Engine was assigned to establish a water supply from the dry hydrant on Durling Road, which was approximately 1/2 mile from the scene.
Upon arrival and setup of our first due engine, an interior attack was initiated, however, due to the volume and advanced spread of the fire into the entire structure with a partial roof collapse, tactics were changed to exterior operations to protect the safety of our firefighters.
Over the course of the next 5+ hours, multiple handlines and master streams were put into operation including a Tower Ladder from the Sherrill Fire Department. Fire extinguishment efforts were hampered by roof collapse in a portion of the structure as well as a tin roof with layers of wooden shingles underneath where the fire was burning. Assistance was eventually requested from Riverside Trucking LLC and Tom and T.O.M Excavating Inc for a heavy-duty excavator which was used to peel the tin off the roof of the structure. Complete fire extinguishment was then accomplished using the Tower Ladder.
One firefighter was transported to the hospital for heat exhaustion and later released. An additional firefighter was evaluated on the scene for heat exhaustion and declined transport. No other injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is under investigation. The Red Cross was contacted to provide assistance for the two occupants of the home. All Oriskany Falls units were back in service at 15:16.
On this warm and humid day, in addition to the 25 members of the Oriskany Falls FD who responded, a HUGE THANK YOU and appreciation for giving up a majority of their Sunday goes to all of the mutual aid departments and additional support that was received from the following: Madison FD, Munnsville FD, Deansboro FD, Vernon Center FD, Vernon FD, Waterville FD, Sherrill FD, Westmoreland FD, Oneida Castle FD, North Brookfield FD (for standby at our station), Oneida County Deputy Coordinator Car 12, Oneida County Cascade 1, Central Oneida County Ambulance, Madison Ambulance, NYSEG, the Deansboro and Waterville Ladies Auxiliaries, Kate and Rachel Petrie, Town of Augusta Codes and DPW and the Oneida County 911 dispatch center. We would also like to thank Mario’s Pizza, Cliff’s Local Market on Rt 5, Dollar General in Madison and Stewart’s in Waterville for their support. Special thanks to Tom Vandenberg and Riverside Trucking LLC for use and operation of the excavator. My apologies for anyone I may have overlooked.
Oriskany Falls Car 1
