Flames quickly consumed a two-story house at 3 Park Ave. in Airmont early one Thursday morning, in a home that had recently been sold. Monsey Fire Chief Rick LaGarde said the fire appeared suspicious and that several agencies were investigating.
The fire was reported to firefighters at 2:02 a.m.; by the time Chief LaGarde arrived four minutes later, flames were coming out every door and window and through the roof, which collapsed within 10 minutes. A Ramapo police officer on patrol, who had noticed smoke near Saddle River Road, found the fire threatening the neighboring house as well. Unable to reach the front door because of the heat, he banged on the back door and woke three older residents inside, helping them to safety. The fire melted siding on one side of their home.