Port Jervis firefighters quickly extinguish electrical cord fire at home

Port Jervis firefighters responded to a minor electrical fire at a home on 82 Hammond Street on Feb. 3, 2026, after an electrical cord ignited. The crew quickly extinguished the blaze, and there were no reported injuries or further escalation. The original report also notes “overhead operations and checks for medical needs were reported i”, the notation did not elaborate.

The blaze at Hammond Street was small and contained, but comes amid a string of recent Port Jervis-area incidents that underscore local fire risks and the value of rapid response. A separate stovetop fire in an apartment on Franklin Street was reported after smoke was seen coming from windows on a Thursday night. Port Jervis Fire Department companies and Milford Fire Department responded; entry into the unit was delayed while Port Jervis Police and Animal Control secured the scene because of an aggressive animal inside. Crews found and quickly extinguished the active stovetop fire, and Milford Fire Department was released. No injuries were reported.

On Dec. 6, 2025, Port Jervis crews and mutual aid departments confronted a more serious chimney fire in a single-family home. Port Jervis Fire Department arrived within minutes of a resident’s call and ordered the resident out after he attempted to fight the flames. PJFD 1st Assistant Chief Anthony Fuller placed a second alarm call for additional manpower and described the incident as “a typical chimney fire with nothing out of the ordinary.” Orange and Rockland shut off gas and electric to the home, and the structure’s water supply was stopped. The fire spread to ceilings and the attic and left the house currently uninhabitable; residents and a pet cat safely exited to a nearby family member’s home.

An official excerpt describing at least one apartment fire detailed a hazardous rescue scenario in which officers forced entry after being told a female occupant was inside, found exterior doors intentionally barricaded, and encountered several separate fires. Officers used fire extinguishers while searching but were forced to retreat because of heavy smoke and fire conditions before Port Jervis Firefighters made entry, extinguished the fire and ventilated the smoke. Port Jervis City Police Chief William Worden said, “we are especially thankful the occupants of the second-floor dwelling were alerted to the fire because of their battery back-up smoke detectors which saved their lives.” District Attorney Hoovler also praised the police and fire companies involved.

For Hammond Street residents and neighbors across Orange County, these incidents highlight recurring hazards: faulty cords, unattended cooking and chimney maintenance. Working smoke detectors and quick emergency response have been credited with preventing worse outcomes. Port Jervis residents should confirm smoke detectors have fresh batteries and inspect cords and heating equipment regularly as crews and officials continue to review these recent calls.