A MayDay call resulted in the firefighters being sent to the hospital for medical attention.
CUBA, N.Y. — A house fire in Cuba, New York, led to a mayday call on Sunday morning after the roof collapsed, injuring three firefighters. Emergency crews from Allegany and Cattaraugus counties responded to the blaze on Yankee Road shortly before 9 a.m.
According to Ischua Fire Chief Mark Kirtz, the fire had already spread extensively by the time firefighters arrived. “Flames were through the roof, and it was well involved,” Kirtz told WGRZ.
As crews worked to contain the fire, part of the roof gave way, prompting an emergency mayday call. Three firefighters sustained injuries and were transported to the hospital, though officials reported their injuries were not life-threatening.
The homeowners, Brenda Wyant and her husband, expressed gratitude for the firefighters’ efforts. “I was born on this road, and I’ll probably die on this road,” Wyant said. “I’m just grateful today wasn’t that day.”
Despite the devastating loss, one firefighter was able to retrieve a meaningful possession from the home. “He saw our family Bible sitting on the end table and brought it to me,” Wyant shared. “That means so much.”
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the fire.