Ulster Hose Company firefighters rescued an occupant from a balcony during a basement fire at Royal Garden Apartments

By Diane Pineiro-Zucker
Daily Freeman

TOWN OF ULSTER, N.Y. — One resident was rescued from a second-floor balcony and residents of 11 units at Royal Garden Apartments on Birch Street were displaced by a two-alarm kitchen fire, Chief Mathew Molinaro said Wednesday.

At about 1:17 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28, Ulster Hose Co. 5 was dispatched to the complex. Upon arrival, firefighters reported that an “elderly resident” was trapped in a second-floor unit and said heavy smoke and fire was showing from a basement apartment, Molinaro said.

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Firefighters rescued the trapped resident from a second-floor balcony via ladder, he said.

The fire was under control, all searches were completed, the victim was successfully removed within 30 minutes. Firefighters then ventilated the structure and remained for salvage and overhaul, Molinaro said.

Fire crews from the Glasco Fire Department assisted with searches, ventilation and overhaul, he said.

Centerville / Cedar Grove firefighters provided their FAST team, Hurley firefighters supplied water and Empress EMS were on the scene. Standby coverage was provided by the Ruby and Port Ewen fire departments. State police, town of Ulster police and Ulster County Emergency Management also assisted, Molinaro said.

Volunteers from the Hudson Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross provided aid to 15 people, according to a press release.

The Red Cross provided financial assistance which can be used for necessities such as shelter, food, and clothing to 13 adults and two teens, ages 15 and 17. At least five households were affected, the Red Cross said, adding that other affected residents may reach out for Red Cross services in the near future.

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