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 10 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, 3 were administered Narcan.
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 Investigation 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.