Firefighters Rescue Two from Staten Island House Fire

(L to R) Firefighter Mike Brancato, Lt. Timothy Rail and Firefighter Philip Sabbatino.

Firefighters battled smoke, fire and clutter to rescue two from a Staten Island house fire on Sept. 20.

"It was most definitely a team effort," Lt. Timothy Rail from Ladder 78 said. "We train [on these skills] every day. These guys did a great job."

Firefighters were called to the scene of a fire in a home on Egmont Place at 11:53 p.m. The fire was located on the second floor of the residence.

Immediately firefighters said they realized they were operating in what they call a 'Collyer's Mansion' - a residence with a great deal of clutter. They said because of these conditions, they had a difficult time locating the fire.

While doing their searches, Lt. Rail said he noticed the hair of an unconscious man, buried under a pile of debris that was three to four feet deep.

He and Firefighter Philip Sabbatino from Engine 153 began moving the man. Firefighter Mike Brancato from Ladder 78 then helped them remove him.

The members talk to the media about their rescue

"It was a unique situation," said Firefighter Brancato. "There was a minute amount of space in which we could move."

The victim was transported by EMS to Staten Island Hospital North in critical, but stable, condition.

At the same time, firefighters from Ladder 77 also removed a man through a window of the residence. The victim was able to climb down the ladder himself. He also was taken to Staten Island Hospital North with minor injuries.

"These were unusual conditions," said Firefighter Sabbatino. "I hope the victims make a fast recovery."