By Kim Anderson
Nyack, NY – Two separate and severe fires broke out Tuesday morning in downtown Nyack, prompting a massive emergency response and displacing numerous residents. Both incidents occurred within close proximity and within the same hour, straining fire and emergency crews county-wide.
The first blaze erupted around 11 a.m. on the sixth floor of the West Shore Towers apartment complex at 103 Gedney Street. Witnesses reported heavy smoke and fire visible from upper floors, with evacuation efforts still underway as of 11:30 a.m., according to Orangetown police.
Multiple fire departments responded, including the Nyack, Central Nyack, and Piermont Fire Departments, along with support from Pearl River, Nanuet, Thiells, Sloatsburg, Monsey, Haverstraw, and West Haverstraw. The fire reached a third alarm, with flames spreading into the building’s cockloft. Rockland Paramedics and Nyack Ambulance were also on standby.
One resident described being “lucky to have gotten out” amid heavy smoke conditions. The full extent of injuries or displacement is not yet known.
Less than an hour later, a second fire broke out at the Nyack Plaza apartments at 409 Nyack Plaza. This fire was visible from the roof of the third floor of one of the buildings and drew emergency personnel from Orangeburg, Sparkill, Valley Cottage, and West Nyack. By 12:20 p.m., flames were observed piercing through the rooftop as thick smoke filled the area.
According to Nyack Mayor Joe Rand, at least 12 residential units were impacted at Nyack Plaza. As of 12:30 p.m., no injuries were reported from the second blaze.
Further complicating emergency efforts, a third, smaller brush fire was reported near Rockland Lake on Landing Road. Rockland Lake FD, Congers FD, and Valley Cottage FD were dispatched to that scene.
Residents are urged to avoid downtown Nyack and surrounding areas as emergency crews continue their operations. Authorities have not yet confirmed the causes of the fires.
“Our hearts go out to all affected residents and first responders,” said Mayor Rand, noting that updates will be shared as more information becomes available.
Rockland News will continue to monitor this developing story.