At 0240 hours, the members of Canton Fire And Rescue were awakened by Central Dispatch for a reported house fire at 1743 SH 68, near Lagndon's Corners. Memebrs left their homes to find everything coated in a sheet of ice and a steady freezing rain falling. Given the weather and road contditions, Second Assistant Chef Erik Johnson requested the Tanker Task Force first alarm immediately as well as an engine and manpower from Pierrepont Fire. Engine 6 was enroute at 0252 hours and was limited to a speed of 15-20 miles an hour for the entire response due to the extremely slippery conditions. Thankfully, the NYS DOT had trucks in the area and they led the fire apparatus to the scene spreading salt for traction. Pierrepont Engine 65 arrived on scene first and stretched handlines to the fire, which had fully involved the structure by the time any units arrived on scene. Initial reports were that there were possibly residents in the structure. Engine 6 arrived and laid 5" LDH to a large pond behind a residence across the street from the fire building and drafted out of the pond. Tankers from Canton Fire, Pierrepont Fire, West Potsdam Fire, and Pyrites Fire arrived on scene and were used initially however the LDH supply line eventually allowed the tankers to be returned to their stations. Law enforcement was able to confirm later into the incident that there were no occupants home at the time of the fire.
There were no injuries at the scene. Potsdam Fire stood by at Canton Station. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by members of the St. Lawrence County Fire Investigation Team. All Canton units were back in service at 0555 hours.
