Red Cross aids Hancock family displaced by fire

Dec. 11--Frozen fire hydrants and intense heat from a residential fire on Friday in the village of Hancock rendered the structure a total loss, according to officials from the Hancock Volunteer Fire Department, leaving five people displaced.

Volunteers from the Mohawk Valley chapter of the American Red Cross trained in emotional support and emergency assistance arrived on scene and provided stuffed animals to four children, ages 3, 8, 12 and 13. The family also received "comfort kits" stocked with personal care items, as well as financial assistance for food, clothing and temporary shelter.

"Volunteers make a point to go in person and meet with the family to help them navigate the complex process of recovery from the moment they arrive on scene," said Kimmy Venter, chief communications officer of the eastern New York region of the American Red Cross.

Caseworkers follow up with families for several months after, Venter said, helping them file insurance claims and connecting them with local resources for long-term recovery, such as the county department of social services and the Salvation Army.

Hancock fire Lt. Blaise Bojo said firefighters responded to the scene at Pappas Trailer Park Drive within three minutes of the 911 call shortly after 4:15 p.m. At that time the residence was already "well-involved" in the fire, he said.

NYSEG shut off power and gas to the residence as crews attacked the blaze from outside the building.

Tankers were used to subdue the flames until officials from the village department of public works were able to restore service to the fire hydrants.

The fire was under control within 30 minutes, Bojo said, and the cause is still under investigation by the fire department, village police department and the the Delaware County Cause and Origin Team.

Fire departments from East Branch and Deposit in New York and Equinunk and Northern Wayne Pennsylvania also responded to the blaze, as well as the village police department, town ambulance and Delaware County departments of emergency services and fire investigation.

Sarah Eames, staff writer, can be reached at seames@thedailystar.com or 607-441-7213. Follow her @DS_SarahE on Twitter.

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