Rockland Post Desk
NEW CITY — One resident was hospitalized with burn injuries after a fire broke out early Friday morning, Jan. 23, at the Friedwald Center for Rehabilitation & Nursing on New Hempstead Road.
According to reports, the fire was called in around 1 a.m. Firefighters arriving on scene were told that a resident was trapped inside a burning room on the upper floor of the facility. Members of the Hillcrest Fire Department, assisted by New Square Emergency Services, rescued the individual, who was taken to a local hospital for treatment.
During the incident, the building’s sprinkler system activated, helping to contain the fire but also causing water damage in parts of the nursing home. As a precaution, numerous residents were evacuated from affected areas and relocated to safe sections of the building.
Officials credited the quick response of the nursing staff for preventing additional injuries. Staff members began evacuating residents before emergency crews arrived, moving patients from both the fire floor and the floor below. Some residents were pulled to safety on mattresses and relocated to the dining area.
Volunteers from Chaverim of Rockland also responded, assisting with water removal and cleanup efforts by bringing pumps and wet-dry vacuums to help limit further damage inside the facility.
Additional agencies responding included the Ramapo Police Department, Hatzoloh EMS, Spring Hill EMS, and Rockland Paramedics.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.