A reported explosion triggered a devastating structure fire Wednesday morning in Sloatsburg, sending one person with serious injuries to the hospital and drawing a massive response from fire departments and law enforcement agencies across Rockland County and neighboring communities.
According to the Ramapo Police Department, officers responded at approximately 10:46 a.m. to reports of an explosion and active structure fire at 265 Orange Turnpike in the Village of Sloatsburg, within the Town of Ramapo. When first responders arrived, they found the building fully engulfed in flames. All occupants had successfully evacuated the structure before emergency crews arrived.
One person sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to Westchester Medical Center for treatment. Authorities have not released additional information regarding the extent of the victim’s injuries.
The fire quickly escalated to a second alarm, prompting an extensive mutual aid response. Fire departments from Sloatsburg, Tuxedo, Monsey, Monroe, Mahwah, Hillburn, Suffern Hose Company, Greenwood Lake, Washingtonville, and Woodbury all responded to assist. During the incident, the Monsey Fire Department was also assigned to provide coverage for the Sloatsburg Fire Department’s district while local crews remained committed to the fire scene.
The Ramapo Police Department was assisted by the Rockland County Sheriff’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Tuxedo Police Department as emergency personnel secured the area and managed traffic.
After several hours of firefighting, crews brought the blaze under control and later extinguished the fire. As of 2:30 p.m., Route 17 had reopened in both directions.
Authorities said the explosion and resulting fire are not considered suspicious at this time, though the scene remains under investigation to determine the exact cause.
