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In Catskill, an off-duty firefighter, Rich Overbaugh, is being praised for his heroic actions after saving 30 birds from a shed fire on Friday night (November 7). The fire occurred on Route 9W at Overbaugh's property, where the shed housed 40 birds, including turkeys, chickens, and hatchling ducks.
Alerted by his father, Overbaugh quickly donned his firefighting gear and air pack, which he had in his truck from recent fire school training. Without hesitation, he entered the burning shed and managed to push out as many birds as possible. "I didn’t put a second thought to it," Overbaugh told NEWS10 ABC. "That’s the guts you have to have as a firefighter."
The Catskill Fire Company arrived shortly after and extinguished the fire within 45 minutes. Unfortunately, eight ducks, two chickens, and one turkey perished in the blaze, as reported by WNYT. The fire was attributed to a heat lamp, according to fire chief Ed Dolan.
The incident highlights the quick thinking and bravery of Overbaugh, who acted swiftly to save the animals. The Catskill Fire Company shared on Facebook that a steady wind was blowing embers, but no additional fires broke out. Overbaugh's actions prevented further damage and loss, showcasing the dedication and courage of volunteer firefighters in the community.