Grand Island Fire Co.: Island sustains shoreline damage during polar vortex weather system

by Ray Pauley

Public Information Officer

Grand Island Fire Co.

As a result of severe blizzard conditions that caused Niagara River ice jams, Grand Island residents encountered shoreline damage in the vicinity of 4300 East River Road. Although docks and boat houses sustained the most damage, residential properties in low-lying areas were also at risk.

In addition, the Grand Island Water Department reported several water line breaks on Jan. 7, which occurred due to sub-freezing temperatures that caused pressure fluctuations in aging underground pipelines. Breaks were being repaired on Whitehaven Road between First and Second streets, Stony Point and Riverdale road, 2626 Stony Point Road, Elsie Lane, and Fix Road, and were expected to be completed on Jan. 8. The Grand Island Fire Co. was alerted to this situation, but no major fire emergencies occurred in those areas. A fire alarm at 7:23 p.m. on Jan. 7 involved an apartment at 2231 Bedell Road, but was caused by a faulty detector.

Fire Chief Matt Osinski also reminds residents and business owners to "adopt" a hydrant nearby so that it is clear of snow and accessible to your volunteers for a ready water supply during a real fire emergency.

Pictured, ice jams near the water intakes off the Robert Moses Parkway (just off Buffalo Avenue). (photo by Brook D'Angelo)