A massive fire at a pharmaceutical facility in Congers triggered a major emergency response Wednesday morning, drawing firefighters and hazmat teams from across Rockland and Westchester counties and forcing the evacuation of dozens of homes and businesses in the surrounding area.
The initial 911 call was received at approximately 7:55 a.m. reporting smoky conditions near 125 Wells Avenue, home to the Vitane Pharmaceuticals/Dr. Wellme facility. Firefighters arriving on scene encountered a significant fire inside the building and quickly requested additional resources as flames and heavy smoke engulfed portions of the structure.
As the incident escalated, Clarkstown Police established a command center near the scene to coordinate the large-scale emergency response.
Sources tell Monsey Scoop that a reported explosion occurred inside the building at approximately 9:16 a.m. While the exact cause remains under investigation, damage is believed to have been largely contained to the interior of the facility.
Due to concerns that chemicals were stored inside the building, Rockland County Hazmat and Westchester Hazmat teams were called to the scene. Specialized crews conducted air monitoring and worked alongside firefighters to ensure the area remained safe as suppression operations continued.
Earlier in the day, Clarkstown Police issued an evacuation recommendation for residents and businesses in the immediate area.
“Due to an ongoing situation on Wells Ave. in Congers, emergency services are requesting that you evacuate the area for your safety. Avoid the area of Wells Ave. and Brenner Dr. as you relocate. Any residents needing a place to stay during this event can go to the Congers Community Center on Congers Road,” police said.
Officials later stated that the evacuation recommendations were issued as a precaution because of changing wind conditions and concerns related to smoke and potential hazardous materials. Authorities said dozens of homes and 12 commercial businesses were evacuated during the incident.
By the afternoon, officials announced that the evacuation recommendations had been lifted following continued monitoring and safety assessments.
The massive response brought together firefighters and emergency personnel from Central Nyack, Congers, Haverstraw, New City, Nyack, Pearl River, Monsey, Sparkill, Orangeburg, Stony Point, Piermont, Blauvelt, Suffern, Valley Cottage, West Haverstraw, West Nyack, and Thiells, along with numerous departments from Westchester County. Also assisting at the scene were Clarkstown Police, South Orangetown EMS, Rockland County Hazmat, and Westchester Hazmat teams.
As of 1:30 p.m., firefighters and emergency personnel remained on scene, continuing suppression operations and addressing hazardous material concerns.
The cause of the fire and reported explosion remains under investigation.
