In what is unfortunately shaping up to be one of the busiest periods of firefighting in Kingston in recent memory, a fire that broke out early Friday morning in a multi-unit apartment building on Cedar Street forced eleven residents from their homes and sent one firefighter to the hospital.
The Kingston Fire Department was dispatched at 12:58am following reports of smoke. Arriving within two minutes, crews encountered visible smoke and immediately began firefighting and search operations. As reports of an active fire were confirmed, additional alarms were sounded, bringing in more personnel to manage the situation and protect nearby buildings.
Firefighters used three hose lines to control the blaze — two focused on the primary structure and one to prevent spread to adjacent properties. Crews also entered neighboring buildings to alert residents, search for potential fire extension, and ensure all occupants were safely evacuated.
The fire was largely brought under control within 20 minutes, though firefighters remained on scene for several hours to perform overhaul operations and investigate the cause, which remains undetermined.
A reported eleven residents were displaced, and temporary housing was coordinated by the Ulster County Department of Emergency Services and the American Red Cross. One firefighter was taken to a hospital for evaluation.
Additional support was provided by off-duty Kingston firefighters and neighboring departments, including Esopus, Port Ewen, and Ulster Hose fire companies, as well as local police, emergency services, and utility crews.
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