Seven companies fight Claverack fire

CLAVERACK — Seven companies fought a house fire late Monday night in Claverack.

Claverack Fire Department and Greenport Rescue were dispatched to 98 Old Lane just after 11:30 p.m. for a reported structure fire.

Smoke was coming from the home and calls went out for mutual aid, Claverack fire officials said.

Fire companies from Mellenville, Churchtown, Philmont, West Ghent, Hudson and Greenport responded to the scene.

Using their ladder truck, Hudson firefighters cut vent holes in the roof to release smoke and heat from the building, while interior firefighters went to work inside, fire officials said.

The home sustained extensive damage, according to fire officials.

Occupants of the residence were able to get out of the home, but one person was taken to Columbia Memorial Health by Greenport Rescue, fire officials said.

The house is owned by Richard Whiteman, according to neighbors of the man, who were at the fire scene.

No injuries were reported, according to fire officials. State police, Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, Columbia County Fire Coordinators, and County EMS Coordinators all responded to Monday night’s fire.

Also assisting at the scene were National Grid, Claverack town highway officials and the state Department of Transportation.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. Firefighters were back in service at 1:20 a.m. Tuesday.