At about 18:20 PM on Friday February 17th, 60 Control dispatched the MKFD - along with Tankers from Millwood and Yorktown Heights - to a reported structure fire at the Yeshiva of Nitra complex in New Castle. The first arriving Chief from Mount Kisco confirmed heavy smoke showing and transmitted a 10-75, which brought additional Engines from Mount Kisco and Millwood, as well as a Tanker and FAST from Bedford Hills and a Tanker from Katonah to the scene.

About 20 minutes after arrival, an additional FASTeam from Ossining was called, followed by Engines from Bedford, Bedford Hills and Chappaqua. Minutes later, two additional Tankers - Banksville and Goldens Bridge - were called into the scene, followed by Briarcliff Manor's Rescue for SCBA refilling purposes - equating to a 2nd Alarm.

At approximately 21:00 PM, a 3rd Alarm was transmitted bringing an Engine from Armonk, a Tower Ladder from Pleasantville, Tankers from Somers and Croton on Hudson.

Between Engine 198 and Tanker 5, BHFD laid out over 3,000 Feet of Large Diameter Hose (LDH) 5". Engine 198 was located on the hydrant and fed Engine 109, in a four engine in line pumping supply. Tanker 5 was used in water shuttle operations. Engine 198 and Tanker 5 supplied water for nearly 5 1/2 hours.

Tower Ladder 57 and Utility 6 (BHFD FAS) were located at the fire building for the duration of the incident, arriving shortly after the 10-75 was transmitted. The FAS Companies established two separate teams, Team 1 led by Captain Patierno on the 3/4 corner of the structure and the second led by Lt. Brooke on the 1/2 corner, this giving us a 360° view of the fire building.

BHFD remained on scene until approximately 01:00, at which time we headed back to BHFD to repack all of the hose on Engine 198 and Tanker 5. We can not express our gratitude anymore to the members of the Bedford, Croton Falls, South Salem and Pound Ridge Fire Departments who helped us roll, transport and pack all 3,000+ feet of LDH. Finally, at about 03:45, all BHFD units went back into service.

On Saturday, February 18th, Tanker 5 operated twice more at the scene of the fire. The first time from 05:00-10:30, and then again from 17:00-18:30 hours, while also assisting MKFD with an Outside Gas Odor call on N Bedford Road, with Engine 199.

Photos Provided by: Frank Becerra Jr./Lohud., and Ex-Captain R. Bancroft