Pearl River, NY Fire 4-25-06

[RocklandFires 44]

From the Rockland Journal News:

PEARL RIVER - A 50-year-old man was seriously injured in an early morning fire today at his home.

Thomas P. Houlihan was taken by helicopter to the burn unit at Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla after he was pulled unconscious from his burning Arlene Court home by three Orangetown police officers.

Houlihan was suffering from burns to his face, arms and hands, according to Orangetown Detective John McAndrew.

The fire was reported shortly before 2 a.m. by a neighbor who called 911 to report seeing a "glow" coming from the one-family split-level house, McAndrew said.

Three Orangetown police officers who responded to the call, Kevin Higgins, Mike McNally and George Raboni, broke down the door and found Houlihan lying unconscious on the floor.

Police think the blaze started in a Florida room that had been added to the house. They think Houlihan was trying to escape the flames when he was overcome near the front door of the house.

The lower level of the home was destroyed.

Fire departments from Pearl River and Nanuet brought the fire under control shortly after 3 a.m.

Police are investigating the cause.

Photos by Brian Duddy - Central Nyack F.D. Pearl River Fire 4-25-06