New Square, NY - Multiple Dwelling Fire Still Under Investigation

New Square, NY - A week after three families were forced out of their home due to an intensely hot basement fire, an investigation still continues into its cause.

While unsure of the number of family members who escaped the Nov. 4 blaze at 21B Jefferson Ave., Israel Spitzer, the village's deputy mayor, said all were safe and staying with family and friends elsewhere in the densely populated village.

The fire began, fire officials said, in the multifamily home's basement, and spread throughout the house and up to the three-story home's attic. Manny Carmona, the village's building and fire inspector, said the building was demolished the next day. "We don't have a determination yet," the flames were so intense that an adjoining home, about 20 feet away, had some of its vinyl siding melted, he said.
Hillcrest Fire Chief Tim Wren said the fire was intensified by hundreds of small mattresses that were being stored in the basement.

Rockland County Sheriff James Kralik said the cause of the fire was still being investigated by his office's Arson Unit and Bureau of Criminal Investigation.