CARMEL

Carmel fire crews extinguish the blaze with a high-powered water supply. ERIC GROSS Jamie Crecco has a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving, especially that his neighbor is a retired member of the FDNY.

Fire broke out at the Crecco residence off Route 6 at the Carmel-Mahopac line last week around 4pm. After contacting 911, a neighbor heard calls for help, and when she observed smoke and flames coming from the garage area of the raised ranch style home, the woman called another neighbor, retired firefighter Greg Infante.

Infante ran to the scene, grabbed a garden hose, opened a garage door where the fire was centered, and, despite heavy smoke, dropped to a crouch position and began to knock down the flames until fire crews arrived a few moments later—action which averted a potential disaster.

The blaze, which was electrical in origin, was traced to a panel in the garage that ignited a wall since officials said a garbage can was stored adjacent to the electrical junction box.

Carmel FD personnel under the command of Chief Mark Earle and Assistant Chief Patrick O’Brien were at the scene for 90 minutes using exhaust fans to remove a heavy concentration of smoke in the attic.

Steven Port, who resides next door to the Crecco family, described Infante as a hero: “His many years of fighting fires in New York City paid off, since he knew exactly what to do and how to do it. The average guy would have probably frozen in panic while waiting for the local fire department.”

Port said because of his neighbor’s expertise, “the house is still standing. We all have a lot to be thankful for this holiday week.”

Also assisting were members of the Mahopac Fire Department, Lake Carmel Fire Department, Carmel Volunteer Ambulance Corps, and the Mahopac Falls FD. An engine returning to Mahopac Falls after undergoing a repair job in Brewster stopped to lend assistance by providing water, since the area does not contain fire hydrants.

Putnam Deputy Emergency Coordinator Mike Hengel also lent assistance, as did members of the Carmel Police Department, workers for the New York State Electric and Gas Company, members of the Carmel Fire Police uni,t and a representative of the Putnam Bureau of Emergency Services.

No injuries were reported.

—Eric Gross