RFD Chief discusses Grape St. fire anniversary
By: Mark Gruba
Updated: February 19, 2013
Rochester Fire Chief Sam Mitrano discussed the fatal Grape Street fire one year later Tuesday morning on News 8 at Sunrise.
Four children died in the house fire - Greg Kugler, Kandee Kugler, Kaiden Kugler and Gage Reavey. Their mother, Bobbie Kugler confessed to starting the fire and is serving a prison sentence for murder and arson.
Mitrano called the deadly fire of February 18, 2012 a difficult chapter. He said anytime firefighters go to a scene and don't get the outcome they want, in terms of saving lives, it takes an emotional toll. Mental health professionals are in place to help firefighters address concerns.
There were survivors of the deadly fire, including Colleen Bender, her son Giovanni Delorm and his friend Waltquaries Evans. Mitrano said there are lessons to be taken from Grape Street - have a working smoke detector and an escape plan in place if it goes off.
In addition, he said once you're out of a burning structure, never go back in to retrieve personal items, no matter how strong the temptation.
Four children died in the house fire - Greg Kugler, Kandee Kugler, Kaiden Kugler and Gage Reavey. Their mother, Bobbie Kugler confessed to starting the fire and is serving a prison sentence for murder and arson.
Mitrano called the deadly fire of February 18, 2012 a difficult chapter. He said anytime firefighters go to a scene and don't get the outcome they want, in terms of saving lives, it takes an emotional toll. Mental health professionals are in place to help firefighters address concerns.
There were survivors of the deadly fire, including Colleen Bender, her son Giovanni Delorm and his friend Waltquaries Evans. Mitrano said there are lessons to be taken from Grape Street - have a working smoke detector and an escape plan in place if it goes off.
In addition, he said once you're out of a burning structure, never go back in to retrieve personal items, no matter how strong the temptation.
