At approximately 5:09 a.m. today, the Blauvelt Volunteer Fire Company was dispatched to a reported structure fire at 658 Western Highway. Upon arrival, firefighters found the building heavily involved, with flames visibly emanating from the rear and sides.
Crews from the first responding engine attempted to enter the building but were met with extreme conditions. The fire quickly began to auto-vent through the roof, leading to a partial collapse and necessitating a shift to Tower Ladder operations.
After extensive overhaul efforts, the fire was brought under control, and all units were back in service by 7:37 a.m. Thankfully, the occupants had evacuated safely, and no injuries were reported.
The Blauvelt Volunteer Fire Company expressed gratitude to the Mutual Aid companies, including Central Nyack FD, West Nyack FD, Orangeburg Volunteer Fire Department, Valley Cottage Fire Department 22, Sparkill-Palisades Fire Department, and Tappan Fire Department, as well as support from O&R, Veolia, SOAC, OPD, Sheriff’s BCI Arson, and the Orangetown Fire Inspector’s Office.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the Orangetown Bureau of Fire Prevention and the Rockland County Sheriff BCI Arson unit.
