Firefighters Evacuate Building Seconds Before Collapse

At 1259 hrs on Sat. 3/17/07, Mohegan FD Ladder 10 and Engine 258 were dispatched to the Jefferson Valley Bowling Lanes at 3699 Hill Blvd in Yorktown for a reported partial roof collapse. First arriving units found that the building was in the process of being evacuated. Staff reported to firefighters that there was a ceiling collapse on the south side of the building, along with loud cracking noises being heard from the roof area. Units, under the command of 2261, immediately ordered a full evacuation and a quick search of the building. The search was initiated to ensure everybody was safely outside, which was the case. The 75' aerial from Ladder 10 was set up to inspect the roof. Seconds after the search crews exited the building, a major collapse of the roof and the west exterior wall occured. Through the quick actions by firefighters to evacuate, no injuries to FD members or civilians were reported. Units secured a safety perimeter and remained on the scene until all the public utilities were turned off at the scene. The scene was turned over to the Yorktown Building Department and Code Enforcement. The building has been condemed by the Town of Yorktown. Mohegan EMS 69B1, Yorktown Fire Marshall and Yorktown PD also assisted at the scene.