TOWN OF ULSTER, N.Y. — Ulster County officials have offered assistance to 15 adults and 6 children who were displaced Wednesday by a fire at the Royal Gardens Apartments, a county official said.
One resident was rescued from a second-floor balcony and residents of 11 units at the complex were displaced by the two-alarm kitchen fire, Ulster Hose Co. #5 Chief Mathew Molinaro said on Wednesday.
Amberly Jane Campbell, assistant deputy county executive, said in an email on Thursday that the county Department of Social Services (DSS) has “reached out and got ahold of nearly everyone affected.” Residents who could not be immediately reached were left voicemails, Campbell said.
“(The displaced residents) confirmed that alternative housing was arranged for them through the Red Cross, or they were staying with family,” Campbell said. “Everyone contacted was advised to contact DSS for alternative housing if, for some reason, they could not return to their apartments and they were still in need of housing.”
At about 1:17 a.m. Wednesday, Ulster Hose was dispatched to the complex. Upon arrival, firefighters reported that an “elderly resident” was trapped in a second-floor unit and said heavy smoke and fire was showing from a basement apartment, Molinaro said.
Firefighters rescued the trapped resident from a second-floor balcony via ladder, he said.
The fire was under control, all searches were completed and the victim was successfully removed within 30 minutes, authorities said. Firefighters then ventilated the structure and remained for salvage and overhaul, Molinaro said.
The Hudson Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross also provided emergency assistance to the 21 residents of the 45 Birch St. apartment complex.
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