Fire Reduces Yorktown Home to Rubble [Photos]

A Yorktown woman is safe and alive thanks to two neighbors who saved her from her burning home on Sunday. 

Just moments before the Eliseo family's home at 3784 Wildwood Street, became fully engulfed in flames, two neighbors - Brian Avery and Robert Cole – pulled Maria Eliseo out of the window on the second floor where she was trapped. 

Members of the Lake Mohegan Fire Department, who recounted the events on their Facebook page, called the men heroes. 

"We salute you gentlemen," firefighters said. "There actions without a doubt saved their lives. All were treated with minor injuries thankfully."

Avery told Patch that he and Cole were on the roof aiding Maria Eliseo, who had hip replacement surgery three weeks ago. Avery said Cole deserves credits for what he did.

"The day would surely turned out differently if he was not there," Avery said. "I thanked God for his presence, as there was no way I was getting Maria out of the window and down the ladder on my own."

Both men fought the heavy smoke as they got the woman out of the house. Avery headed down the ladder to guide her down, while Cole remained on the roof to get her on the ladder.

Once down, the two men, including another neighbor – Joshua Reed – carried the woman away from the house.

Hudson Valley Hospital officials contacted the American Red Cross and volunteers were immediately sent to meet with the family, spokesperson Carolyn Sherwin told Patch. The family was provided with emotional support as their pets perished in the fire. 

"We did provide the family with immediate financial assistance for all needed personal items," Sherwin said. "The family does have insurance and we will be assisting them in the navigation as they start their road to recovery."

More than 150 firefighters from eight departments responded to the blaze on a windy and chilly day. They found the home engulfed in flames and smoke at around 11:30 a.m., according to an article in the Journal News. 

Responding agencies included the Yorktown, Mahopac Falls, Mahopac, Peekskill, Putnam Valley, Somers fire departments; along with Mohegan EMS, Peekskill EMS, Yorktown Medics, Yorktown Police Department, Westchester County Police Department, New York State Police, NYS DEC, Westchester County DES, Con Edison, American Red Cross.

Various other Yorktown departments including highway, water, and buildings also assisted. The Croton and Montrose Fire departments were on standby.

Editor's Note: The article has been updated since its original publication with the correct address of the home.