NY Homeowner Accused of Ripping Off FF's Mask at Fire Scene

April 27, 2021
A Celoron man was arrested and charged after he allegedly damaged a volunteer firefighter's gear and argued with crews from multiple departments battling a house fire.

A homeowner is accused of ripping off a New York firefighter's mask and obstructing crews batting a residential fire Monday.

Crews from multiple departments responded to a house fire in Celoron shortly before 8 p.m., The Post-Journal in Jamestown reports. Flames gutted the home, and investigators determined that the fire started in and around an unmaintained wood stove surrounded by combustible material, according to the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office.

During the call, homeowner Todd Rosendahl, 53, allegedly began arguing with firefighters, WNY News Now reports. Police claim he also pulled the breathing mask off a volunteer firefighter, damaging the gear.

Rosendahl was arrested and charged with obstructing firefighting operations and fourth-degree criminal mischief.

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