Investigation underway into cause of Congers fire that sparked explosion, evacuations
Officials say the initial 911 call came in around 7:56 a.m., reporting smoky conditions near 125 Wells Ave.
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Evacuation recommendations have now been lifted after a fire and hazmat situation prompted a large emergency response in an industrial area of Congers.
Officials say the initial 911 call came in around 7:56 a.m., reporting smoky conditions near 125 Wells Ave.
Authorities say there was a reported explosion inside the building around 9:56 a.m., with damage believed to be mostly interior.
Hazmat teams were called in as a precaution.
Clarkstown police had earlier issued a statement urging people to leave the 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 say the evacuations were done as a precaution. Authorities say people from dozens of homes and 12 commercial businesses had been evacuated.
"I was concerned. I wasn't going to stick around based on their recommendation. [Police] told me that hazmat was coming from Westchester," said Kenneth Kimmel, who lives nearby. "Why test the authorities?"
The majority of the neighbors that News 12 spoke with say that they did listen to the police and left. A few chose to stay in their homes.
Neighbors say that while they really didn't hear anything, they did see large plumes of smoke. They also said that the odor was horrible.
Officials say one firefighter suffered minor injuries. No other injuries have been reported.
Officials say the DEC has been here all morning checking the air quality and that there have been no harmful readings throughout the whole incident.
News 12's Jackie Gillis spoke with impacted residents
The cause of the fire and reported explosion remains under investigation.
The company located at the address is Vitane Pharmaceuticals Incorporated.
News 12 was sent the following statement from them:
"Earlier today, an incident occurred at our facility in Congers, New York. Emergency responders were notified and responded to the scene. The matter is currently under review, and we are cooperating fully with the appropriate authorities.
Vitane is a nutraceutical and dietary supplement manufacturing company and is not an industrial chemical manufacturing facility. At this time, the cause of the incident remains under review, and it would be premature to comment on any specific product or material involved.
The safety of our employees, first responders, and the surrounding community remains our highest priority. We appreciate the support of local emergency personnel and will provide additional information as it becomes available."
