(SALEM CENTER) - Firefighters from across Steuben County responded to a reported house explosion Monday afternoon that left a home heavily damaged and forced crews into a defensive firefighting operation.
The Salem Center Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched at approximately 1:04 p.m. after reports of an explosion at a residence. While crews were en route, additional reports indicated heavy black smoke and visible flames, prompting a request for mutual aid to bring in extra manpower and tanker support.
First-arriving crews encountered intense fire conditions and heavy smoke, with the structure rapidly deteriorating. Firefighters initially began an aggressive interior attack, but conditions inside the home were deemed structurally unsafe. Command then shifted operations to a defensive-only strategy.
The fire was brought under control in just over an hour. Crews remained on scene for an extended period to conduct overhaul operations and address hot spots. About 44 firefighters were involved in the response.
Salem Center firefighters were assisted by departments from Orland, Ashley-Hudson, Stroh, Fremont, and Angola. During the incident, Salem Center crews also handled a separate medical emergency elsewhere in the district.
No injuries were reported, and the cause of the explosion has not been released.