SPRING VALLEY, NY – Nearly 50 families cannot re-enter their homes right now – after a devastating fire ravaged the Surrey Carlton apartments in Spring Valley late Monday night.
This incident marks the second major fire at the complex within just two months.
The blaze, reported around 9:30 p.m. at 53 Ewing Ave., quickly escalated as heavy flames engulfed a third-floor unit. Spring Valley Fire Chief Ray Canario disclosed that upon arrival, firefighters witnessed intense flames through a living room window. The response included teams from Hillcrest, Spring Valley, and Monsey fire departments, who battled the fire for approximately an hour before extinguishing it.
A dramatic rescue occurred during the chaos as a woman trapped inside became unconscious but was saved by quick-acting neighbors. She later regained consciousness. Additionally, a firefighter sustained minor burns after being struck by falling debris in a stairwell. Both individuals were hospitalized and are reported to be in stable condition as of Tuesday morning.
The fire reignited early Tuesday morning, prompting firefighters to return to the scene around 5:30 a.m. to extinguish remaining embers. Chief Canario confirmed that the cause of the fire remains under investigation, with more than 20 apartments suffering extensive smoke and water damage, leading to widespread displacement.
This recent fire continues a troubling pattern at the Surrey Carlton apartments, following a February blaze that displaced 86 residents. Concerns have been raised about the complex’s fire safety measures, notably that the fire alarm system is not directly connected to the fire department’s dispatch system, necessitating emergency calls through 911.
Authorities are currently probing all angles to determine the cause of the fire and assess safety protocols at the apartment complex. The community rallies to support the affected families as they face the aftermath of this recurrent tragedy.
This story is developing, and will be updated.
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