BY: Robert Jowaiszas, Community Editor/Reporter
BY: Robert Jowaiszas, Community Editor/Reporter
SPRING VALLEY — Firefighters from across Rockland County spent more than four hours early Tuesday battling a fast-moving fire that tore through a vacant home on Wolfe Drive, destroying the building and sending thick smoke across the neighborhood.
The blaze broke out around dawn at 1 Wolfe Drive, a house neighbors said had been empty for some time. When the first crews arrived, flames were already pushing through the
second floor and attic. Within minutes, part of the roof collapsed as firefighters worked in freezing temperatures and icy ground conditions.
Departments from Spring Valley, Monsey, Hillcrest, New City, West Nyack, and others responded, rotating teams to manage the cold and the heavy smoke. Public works crews were also called in to salt the roadway as water from hoses quickly turned to ice.
No residents were inside the home, and officials said no civilian injuries were reported. Several firefighters were evaluated for smoke inhalation but were expected to recover.
A neighboring attached home received smoke and water damage but did not catch fire, according to officials on scene.
By mid-morning, the structure was considered a total loss. Firefighters remained at the site for hours to extinguish hot spots and stabilize what was left of the building.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and authorities have not yet said whether the vacant property had utilities connected or if anyone had been inside before the fire began.
The Wolfe Drive fire adds to a string of winter fire calls across the region, made more difficult by freezing weather and icy roads. Local officials said more information will be released as the investigation continues.