Operations & Training

Gas Odor Present When Fire Erupted at Rockland County, NY, Apartment Complex

Sept. 4, 2024

Due to lightweight construction, Rockland County firefighters conducted an exterior operation.

Moments before a massive fire erupted at an apartment complex in Nanuet Tuesday, contractors smelled gas.

Police officers ran into the building to alert residents.

"If you can get to that fire before it gets into the attic or into windows of the apartments, definitely you can extinguish it quicker. But, once it gets to the attic, it's very tough to get. It's kinda like off to the races," Rockland County Fire Coordinator Chris Kear told CBS.

The lightweight construction prevented them from being able to fight the fire from inside.

The building was constructed over 25 years ago and did not have sprinklers.

About the Author

Susan Nicol | News Editor

Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues.