Storage facility customers still unable to check on belongings following fire that damaged 12 units
Firefighters said the fire started at about 1:40 p.m. Sunday, was put out and then rekindled for a short time Monday morning.
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Customers of a storage facility in Wappingers Falls are growing more concerned about their valuable belongings and business materials following a large fire that damaged 12 units.
Dutchess County fire investigators have been combing through debris at Prime Storage on Route 9 to find out the cause of the fire.
Many customers were especially stressed because they have a lot to lose and were unable to check in on their units.
"I don't know yet. I don't have access right now," flooring contractor Sal Cuccia said Monday morning when asked how his unit is. "I had material for clients, so materials, supplies and stock material as well."
Firefighters said the fire started at about 1:40 p.m. Sunday, was put out and then rekindled for a short time Monday morning.
"We need to stay proactive," Wappinger Town Supervisor Joseph Cavaccini said, regarding potential storage facility regulations he is exploring.
Cavaccini told News 12 that even though the cause of the fire is not yet known, the large fire should motivate local and/or state governments to consider rules for what can and cannot be stored in the units.
Cavaccini said storage businesses are popping up all over the Hudson Valley, including in Wappinger; he wants to protect customers and prevent property loss.
"What power, if any, do local municipalities have?," he said during an interview Monday at his office. "This might be a state regulation moving forward, but this is something we're looking at right now."
Several customers agreed there should be clear rules.
They also said they would like for the new owners of Prime Storage to set policy on communication during emergencies.
A handful of customers, including John Arratti, received most of their information from News 12 reports on TV and online.
"I called the facility and they said they'll let me know if my unit's been affected," Arratti said. "I haven't heard from them yet, so I'm just coming out again."
News 12 is awaiting comment from Prime Storage.
Customers said they were told by management Monday that the company is hiring private security guards to watch units overnight, and the units will be tarped to guard against rain.
