Firefighters swift to snuff out Post Road attic blaze

Some of the newest homeowners to join the quiet Post Road community suffered a fiery stroke of bad luck after firefighters were called to put out a reported fire in one house's attic.

First responders were called to 5631 Post Road just after 10:30 a.m., Jan. 25. Officials were still investigating the cause as of Friday afternoon, but early speculation is that it was electrical.

The flames were under control within an hour, according to fire department officials.

Its newest resident —  identified by neighbors as Winston Thomas — had just moved in. He was reportedly outside taking out trash when he realized his home was on fire, insurance adjuster Tyson Billingsley said.

At least five fire engines were parked on the sunny, relatively wide street around 11 a.m., as firefighters hustled to squelch what appeared to be the last of the blaze’s aftermath. A steel ladder from one of the engines extended up to the roof, while a stretcher on the sidewalk across the street from the building sat laden with what appeared to be emergency supplies, but no people.

Smell of smoke still permeated the air, as Conrad Williams — clad in torn, paint-stained jeans and worn-out work boots — stood across the street watching what looked like the last of the smoke cascade from the roof and into the cloudless sky. The owner had just bought the place around a couple months ago, said Williams, who added he was painting part of the house that morning.

The house was purchased by Chantal Thomas of Scarsdale last November for $865,000, according to property records.

Large cardboard U-Haul moving boxes lay on the sidewalk outside the home.

“I just smelled smoke,” Williams said, but couldn’t see any flames.

Two people suffered minor injuries, officials said, including a firefighter. The extent of the damage was not immediately released, and the cause is still under investigation.