At 12:18am late Thursday night, Nanuet FD was alerted to respond to a reported structure fire at 45 Mesa Place.

Arriving on scene shortly thereafter, Assistant Chief Bill Schoenleber (8-2) confirmed heavy fire showing from the rear of the 2 story high-ranch dwelling.

Crews from first arriving 8-EQ, led by Lieutenant Joe Pacella (8-6) made an aggressive interior attack through the front door of the home, and were confronted with heavy fire near the top of the stairs. Firefighters Vincent Skokos and Craig Simon continued the attack, while firefighters Brian O'Toole and Luke Hanson performed a primary search for any possible occupants. It was soon confirmed that the homeowners, who were home at the time, had escaped without serious injury.

Because of the heavy amount of fire, a portion of the roof and attic of the home collapsed into the second floor, causing crews to briefly retreat back down the stairs before regrouping and remounting an aggressive attack of the main body of fire.

A majority of the fire was extinguished within 30 minutes. Mutual aid crews from neighboring South Spring Valley FD (Dept 25), West Nyack FD (Dept 24), Spring Valley FD (Dept 17), and Pearl River FD (Dept 12) assisted into the night with overhauling of the single family home.

New City FD (Dept 9) was put on standby to cover any additional calls within Nanuet during the blaze.

All units returned to normal service around 3:00am.