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Explosion During Congers Building Fire Forces Evacuations of Homes and Businesses

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4 months ago

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A fire at a commercial building in Congers Wednesday morning led to a significant explosion, the evacuation of nearby homes and businesses, and a large-scale emergency response.

At approximately 7:56 a.m. on June 24, emergency responders were dispatched to a report of smoke coming from a commercial building located at 125 Wells Avenue. Upon arrival, first responders observed heavy smoke pouring from the front of the structure and confirmed that the building was unoccupied.

The Congers Fire Department, assisted by multiple mutual aid agencies, responded to battle the blaze. Due to reports that the building contained food-grade chemicals used in the production of vitamin and dietary supplements, the Rockland County Hazardous Materials Team was also requested to the scene.

During firefighting operations, a significant explosion occurred inside the building, causing a partial floor collapse and increasing smoke conditions in the area. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Firefighters had already been evacuated from the structure and were conducting defensive operations from a safe distance when the explosion occurred.

As a precaution, authorities ordered the evacuation of the immediate area surrounding the fire. Approximately 200 residences and 12 commercial properties were affected. Emergency officials also coordinated with the Clarkstown Central School District, as schools were in session at the time of the incident.

The evacuation remained in place for about one hour and twenty minutes before being lifted. Air quality monitoring conducted throughout the event determined that conditions were safe, and officials noted that air quality was never found to be hazardous. The evacuation was implemented out of an abundance of caution while testing was underway.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

The incident drew a coordinated response from numerous fire departments, law enforcement agencies, EMS providers, and specialized response teams from across the region.

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Police/Fire/EMS

Haverstraw Police Join No-Shave November to Support Cancer Awareness 2026

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3 days ago

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November 2, 2026

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Residents may notice a few more beards among the officers of the Town of Haverstraw Police Department this November, and it’s all for a good cause.

The department announced that officers are participating in No-Shave November, an annual campaign that raises awareness and funds for cancer-related causes.

With approval from Town Supervisor Howard Phillips, the Town Board and the Chief of Police, participating officers will be putting down their razors for the month while supporting the charitable initiative.

Each participating officer will also make a personal donation to help support the effort.

The department encourages residents not to be surprised if they see officers sporting some extra facial hair throughout November, noting that it’s not a change in grooming standards but rather a way to show support for an important cause.

No-Shave November encourages participants to embrace their natural hair growth while raising awareness and funds for cancer research and support programs.

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Police/Fire/EMS

Chestnut Ridge Middle School Bomb Threat Prompts Evacuation October 29, 2026

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5 days ago

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October 30, 2026

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Students and staff were evacuated from Chestnut Ridge Middle School on Thursday, October 29, 2026, following a reported bomb threat, according to the Ramapo Police Department.

Police said officers responded to the school at approximately 1:11 p.m. after receiving a report of a bomb threat. Students and staff were safely evacuated from the building and transported to an off-site location.

Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to assist with a search of the school. Explosive detection K-9 units from the Ramapo Police Department, Rockland County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police, Town of Woodbury Police Department and Orange County Sheriff’s Office participated in the search.

The Rockland County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Disposal Unit also assisted at the scene.

No explosive devices were found during the search, police confirmed.

Emergency personnel from the South Spring Valley Fire Department, Monsey Fire Department and William P. Faist Volunteer Ambulance Corps were also staged at an off-site location and remained ready to respond if needed.

The Ramapo Police Department’s Investigations Division is continuing to investigate the incident, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Joint Terrorism Task Force.

Anyone with information related to the incident is asked to contact the Ramapo Police Department at 845-357-2400. Police said all calls will be kept confidential.

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