CONGERS, NY — A fire at a commercial building prompted the evacuation of approximately 200 residences and 12 commercial properties on June 24, 2026.
Officers from the Clarkstown Police Department responded to a report of smoke coming from a commercial building at 125 Wells Ave. at approximately 7:56 a.m.
Upon arrival, officers observed heavy smoke conditions emanating from the front entrance of the building.
Responding personnel confirmed that no one occupied the structure at the time of the incident.
The Congers Fire Department, along with several mutual aid fire departments, responded to the scene.
Fire officials requested the assistance of the Rockland County Hazardous Materials Team based on the reported contents of the building, including food grade chemicals utilized in the production of vitamin and dietary supplements.
A significant explosion occurred within the building during firefighting operations, resulting in a partial floor collapse and increased smoke conditions in the surrounding area.
No injuries were reported.
At the time of the explosion, all firefighting personnel had been evacuated from the structure and were conducting defensive firefighting operations from a safe location.
The Clarkstown Police Department ordered an evacuation of the immediate area surrounding the incident as a precautionary measure.
The department also coordinated closely with the Clarkstown Central School District, as schools were in session during the event.
The evacuation remained in effect for approximately one hour and 20 minutes and was lifted after air quality monitoring confirmed that conditions were safe for residents and businesses to return.
At no time during the incident was air quality determined to be unsafe.
The Clarkstown Police Department Detective Bureau Fire Investigations Unit is investigating the cause of the fire.
