A fire that tore through a two-story apartment complex at 59 Robert Pitt Drive in Spring Valley on a Saturday afternoon was considered suspicious by officials. The fire began around 3:30 p.m. in a first-floor bedroom and spread to neighboring units, according to Spring Valley Fire Chief Bob Johnson.
About 100 firefighters responded, including crews from Spring Valley, Monsey, Hillcrest, Tallman, and South Spring Valley. The fire was under control within about an hour. Up to four apartment units were destroyed, with several others suffering smoke and fire damage. Residents of 48 units were evacuated, and the Red Cross assisted displaced residents at the Spring Valley police station. There were no injuries reported.
The county’s fire and emergency services coordinator noted that strong winds helped the fire spread quickly, though firefighters were able to contain it effectively. The cause remained under investigation, with an illegal bedroom found in one of the damaged units.