Airmont Woman Accused Of Setting House Fire

AIRMONT, NY — Ramapo police arrested Melissa Thomas, 51, after her house was severely damaged by fire. Sept. 7. SEE: Firefighters Battle Blaze In Airmont

Police said the fire was first reported as a smoke condition but quickly advanced to a massive blaze. Rockland Daily obtained footage of heavy, orange flames shooting out of the top story of the home on Dunn Road.

It was extinguished by Tallman Fire Department with mutual aid from the Hillcrest, Monsey, Sloatsburg, Spring Valley and Mahwah Fire Departments, police said.

No one was injured, police said.

Subsequent to an investigation by Ramapo police detectives and the Rockland County Sheriff's Arson Investigation Unit, Thomas was charged with third-degree arson and second-degree criminal mischief, both felonies.

She was arraigned in the Airmont Court and released without bail.

"Ramapo PD would like to thank the aforementioned agencies as well as the Spring Hill and W.P. Faist Volunteer Ambulance Corps for their assistance in this incident," police said in a news release.