James Benedict’s mother Debra Benedict died in a massive fire that gutted 68 Lander St., in the city of Newburgh last month, and his brother was severely injured.

"The only reason my brother is still here is because the fire department were able to do on-site triage after my brother had thrown himself out a third-story window," said Benedict.

He said the fire department did everything they could, but just didn’t have enough people.

"If they had the manpower and the right equipment and had been at the right place at the right time, I believe it would have been a completely different outcome," said James Benedict.

He spoke at Monday’s tense Newburgh City Council meeting where the city manager talked about the fire and staffing.

"The police and fire reports show there were many circumstances out of the fire department's control which resulted in this outcome, including, but not limited to, a delayed 911 call which caused the fire to spread rapidly," said City Manager Todd Venning.

He also said the ladder truck couldn’t assist in the rescue because there were electrical wires in the way and a trailer blocking the engine, along with other factors.

"One of the occupants apparently added water to a grease fire, which caused the fire to grow more deadly," said Venning.

Local 589 fire union President Nick Bedetti also spoke at the meeting.

"We told you the staffing change would result in an increase in property loss and possibly a life. Well, exactly six months to the day of this staffing change, our worst fears became reality," said Bedetti. "So tonight, I demand you instruct the city manager to reinstate our 10-man minimum, giving us Engine 1 back."

Mayor Torrance Harvey says he’s tired of people pointing fingers at him and the city council.

"The mayor is not involved in the contract negotiations for any of the departments, particularly the fire department, which they’re in open negotiations right now," said Harvey.

He said one solution to bolster the fire department is to hire part-time firefighters.

"The local union of the fire department can tell the city manager today 'we will allow you to hire part-time firefighters so that we can increase the size and strength of our fire department,'" said Harvey.

IAFF Local 589 members did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Newburgh Fire Chief Francis Spinelli said he has yet to speak to anyone in the city government about the possibility of part-time firefighters, which Harvey says would cut down on overtime pay.