A house at 234 Willow Ave. caught on fire this evening at about 8pm. Cornwall-on-Hudson assisted Cornwall Fire Department along with Vails Gate and an investigation followed throughout the evening. Salisbury Mills and New Windsor Fire Departments were on standby.
The cause of the fire is believed to be electrical and started in the kitchen at the stove. The sons at home, the youngest 12, called for help and were able to get out of the house. The exact cause of the fire is under investigation.
Firefighter Joe Halversen said that they received the call at approximately 8 pm. The owner of the home Dottie Petrose and her daughter Maria were not at home. Dottie’s grandsons were home but made it out of the house with the family dog. Maria Petrose said she received the call earlier to notify her of the fire and went to the hospital where her sons were treated for smoke inhalation. She and her mother were treated for stress related high blood pressure due to the news. Family members were on the scene to check on Maria after she returned from the hospital. They relayed the news that family and friends are reaching out to help with places to stay and providing clothes for the family. A friend of Maria is setting up a “go fund me” page for donations. Please check back here for more information.
update 7/17/15 1:48am
Heather Toombs is collecting donations of items and gift cards for the family. Please email Heather htoombs06@gmail.com or call her (845)591-0199 if you'd like to make a donation.
