Multiple fires broke out in the town of Stony Point, along the west side of the Hudson River, rapidly consuming a property off Old Haverstraw Road. Officials stated that the flames started in the afternoon, moving south along the west side of the Hudson River towards Congers. The town was covered in a significant amount of ash and heavy smoke, with flames shooting up to 30 to 40 feet in the air at certain times, according to Supervisor Jim Monaghan of Stony Point.
Some homeowners in Mahwah, New Jersey, were able to use their garden hoses to best douse approaching flames and protect their backyard fences. Thanks to the volunteer firefighters, no valuable properties were lost, but the scene was captured by a frantic 4 Chopper, showing homeowners helplessly watching as intense flames licked the fences around their properties.
A handful of residents, including a 98-year-old woman, fled their homes as the uncertainty grew. Thankfully, no lives were lost and only a few houses appeared to suffer minor damage as the fire intensified during the afternoon.
The firefighters, who had been eagerly anticipating a long night of preventing fires, were informed that there were still hotspots popping up in Congers throughout the night. However, it was reported that the fire would be under control by the evening hours.
Train traffic was momentarily stopped on the route. The fires were ignited when a train operated by railroad company CSX traveled along, emitting sparks. County authorities later mentioned that the tracks observed in the vicinity are specifically used for transporting freight.
Clarkstown Supervisor George Hoehmann expressed, “If there was a malfunction on the train and it was causing fires in three towns, they ought to have halted the train instead of pulling it through three towns.”
CSX stated that they examined the train in the vicinity and did not document any problems. The railroad company confirmed their collaboration with county officials. However, certain residents in the area desire a public meeting with the company to personally observe their approach in resolving the matter.
They received medical attention at the location. No harm was documented, but several of the unpaid firefighters – a few departing their personal residences to safeguard their community members – were stated to have experienced heat fatigue.
The fires, which affected the three towns, did incur a significant financial burden, as a substantial amount of money was expended in extinguishing the flames. Governor Kathy Hochul stated that in order to assist Rockland and Orange counties in dealing with the wildfires, the state has dispatched resources.