Bill Williams is reporting for Columbia-Greene Media six fire companies responded to a call in West Ghent early April 29, for a reported smoke condition in several homes, according to Columbia County 911. There was also a power outage at the same time that affected approximately 300 customers for almost two hours. West Ghent firefighters were called to 1099 County Route 22 for a smoke condition inside the home, fire officials said. At the same time, Columbia County 911 received reports of smoke conditions in two other homes, at 1085 and 1093 County Route 22. In addition to responding to those three houses, firefighters also went door to door, making sure other homes in the area were not affected. Sargent Electric Company, a company performing an electrical upgrade for New York State Electric and Gas, was working on a utility pole in the area at the time. A power line in the area was seen smoldering, but it is unclear whether the work and the smoke conditions in the homes are related. A NYSEG spokesperson said the incident remains under investigation. Read the full story at HudsonValley360 [dot] com.