Cold Spring Fire Company No. 1

Yesterday, June 19th, at 12:56 CSFC was requested mutual aid for a possible structure fire at the Cold Spring Mobile home park. First arriving unit Battalion 19 confirmed a working structure fire with extension into a second mobile home. 13-2-1 was en route within minutes of the original dispatch and arrived on scene as the first due engine. 13-1-1(Chief Steltz) and 13-9-7(LT Etta) immediately pulled 2 hand lines off of 13-2-1 and began fire suppression knocking down the bulk of the fire before it could cause more damage to neighboring trailers. 13-2-1 crew conducted searches of the two neighboring trailers ensuring that everyone was out. One kitten was rescued by 13-1-1(Chief Steltz) as he arrived on scene. CSFC was on scene with numerous Putnam and Dutchess County Fire Departments providing mutual aid for the North Highlands Fire Department. There were no injuries of first responders or residents. Great work to all agencies involved.

On June 11, 2026, at 5:14 PM, the Cold Spring Fire Company was dispatched to a reported dumpster fire that was not threatening any structures but was located adjacent to open grass fields. Upon arrival, firefighters found a 30-yard dumpster heavily involved with fire. Although dumpster fires may appear routine, they often present unique challenges. The contents are frequently unknown, requiring firefighters to operate cautiously while dealing with deep-seated fires buried beneath layers of debris. Given the size of the dumpster, the volume of burning debris, and the potential for the fire to extend into nearby dry vegetation, crews quickly deployed a handline and began extinguishing the fire. With temperatures approaching 90 degrees, firefighters worked for approximately 1.5 hours to bring the fire under control and fully extinguish all remaining hot spots.
The Cold Spring Fire Company was assisted on scene by .1

Photos courtesy of CSFC photographer/FF Ian Saladyga

As part of our ongoing commitment to firefighter wellness, the Cold Spring Fire Company Wellness Committee would like to thank Lourdes Laifer for donating her time and expertise to our members. Lourdes led a thoughtful and engaging session on mindfulness, sharing practical techniques to help firefighters remain calm, steady, and grounded both on emergency calls and in their daily lives.

Lourdes is a Cold Spring-based author, life coach, and mindfulness teacher. To learn more about her work, visit LourdesLaifer.com.

Thank you, Lourdes!

The Cold Spring Fire Company was proud to march in the Memorial Day Parade as our community came together to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.
We would also like to recognize and thank the veterans who marched alongside us, whose service and dedication continue to inspire our community. It was an honor to stand with so many local organizations, families, and community members who took part in this meaningful tradition.
Thank you to everyone who came out to support the parade and to help honor the true meaning of Memorial Day.

Photos courtesy of CSFC FF/photographer Ian Saladyga.

On April 15, 2026 at 8:23 PM, Cold Spring Fire Company responded to an incident in the Breakneck Ridge area of Hudson Highlands State Park involving four lost hikers, one of whom was injured. The group was able to contact 911 by activating an Apple satellite emergency signal.
With severe thunderstorms and lightning approaching, time was critical. Cold Spring Fire Company, assisted by North Highlands Fire Department, established command at the Little Stony Point parking lot. Phillipstown Ambulance Corps stood by to receive the patient while the CSFC Mountain Rescue Team assembled and deployed. Command and 911 Dispatch utilized a new location system called “What3Words”, which allowed crews to pinpoint the hikers’ location within a 3-meter square. This information was relayed to the rescue team, enabling a rapid and efficient response. Within approximately one hour of dispatch all four hikers were located and assisted off the trail, just as the storm began. Great work to everyone involved.

With warm weather now upon us we urge the public who wish to use these wonderful trails in our community to come prepared. Wearing the proper attire and making sure you are hydrated helps to keep you safe. Mountain rescues can be a very time consuming emergency requiring an array of resources. The more prepared you are the less likely you will require our services.

Photos by CSFC FF/Photographer Ian Saladyga

With the nice weather finally upon us, last night CSFC took the opportunity to get outside for our Tuesday night drills. Members practiced hitting a dry hydrant, supplying an engine with water, and hose-line advancement. Great job to all members who attended last nights drill.

Photo by CSFC FF/Photographer Ian Saladyga