At 6:16pm the Vista Fire Department along with the South Salem Fire Department were dispatched to 228 Smith Ridge Road within the Vista Fire District, for a reported house fire. Upon hearing multiple reports for a working house fire, mutual aid was requested from Pound Ridge, Golden's Bridge, Bedford Hills, Ridgefield, Westchester EMS and the Battalion 17 Coordinator to the scene and New Canaan to our firehouse to handle any additional Vista Fire District calls.

Upon the arrival of Vista Engine 142, they found a working house fire in a 1 1/2 story home with heavy fire on the right side of the structure and on the second floor. Vista firefighters stretched a hose line through the front door and began an attack within the structure attempting to reach the staircase. South Salem firefighters brought a hose line to the rear of the structure and attempted to make an interior attack as well. Engine crews were met with heavy fire, heat and smoke. As the Vista engine crew pushed into the house towards the living room in search of the staircase, something fell in front of them making visibility go to zero. The fire began to make significant headway and a South Salem Assistant Chief made the order for all members out of the building due to the fast moving fire. Due to the close proximity, the house next door began to catch fire. Crews had difficulty in reaching the exposed structure due to live power lines down between the houses, but were able to contain the extension of fire to small portion of the second home.

A total of 45 firefighters responded to the scene. Once the fire was under control, firefighters opened up walls and ceilings checking for remaining hidden pockets of fire.

The Red Cross was called in for multiple families displaced.

No injuries were reported.

The last Vista units cleared at about 10:30pm.

Thank you to all our mutual aid companies who responded!