UPDATE @ 5:44 PM
PORTLAND – Several firefighters were taken to an area hospital after knocking down flames at a northern Chautauqua County house fire on Wednesday afternoon; with investigators looking into a possible fentanyl exposure.
Around 2:50 p.m. nearly a half-a-dozen fire departments were called to 6842 Webster Road in the Town of Portland for a reported fully engulfed house fire. Around an hour later, the fire was deemed to be under control.
However, since then four ambulances were called to the scene with several first responders taken to the hospital for evaluation.
Chautauqua County Sheriff Jim Quattrone confirmed to WNY News Now the firefighters were taken to Westfield Memorial Hospital.
The reason, however, was not immediately clear. A law enforcement source told WNY News Now the firefighters may have been exposed to fentanyl while battling the blaze.
Quattrone, who was not able to immediately confirm the authenticity of the report, said investigators will follow-up with those hospitalized and medical personnel for further.
The Sheriff went on to say that those on scene were overcome with fumes, however they are unsure what caused the smell.
Those now on scene, he said, are properly equipped to protect from the fumes.
Earlier in the day, police were called to the location for a domestic dispute. It is unclear if that incident is related to the fire in anyway.
New York State Police are leading the investigation, with the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office Fire Investigaton Team assisting to determine what caused the blaze.
The fire, our crews on scene say, completely destroyed the main section of home with only a connected garage remaining.
This is a developing story and will be updated when more information is available.
ORIGINAL @ 3:57 PM
PORTLAND – Investigators are looking into what sparked a northern Chautauqua County house fire on Wednesday afternoon.
Around 2:50 p.m. several fire departments were called to 6842 Webster Road in the Town of Portland for a reported fully engulfed house fire.
When crews first arrived on scene, they reported seeing heavy black smoke showing from the structure.
Around an hour later, the fire was reported to be under control.
Since then, the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office Fire Investigation team was called to the scene.
This is a developing story and will be updated when more information is available.
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