Fast-Moving Fire Destroys Apartments At Springvale

CROTON-ON-HUDSON, NY — More than 19 adults were left homeless after fire engulfed a building at the Springvale Apartments Wednesday morning. Volunteers from several neighboring departments joined the Montrose Fire Department as they raced to get elderly residents to safety plus fight the fast-moving blaze.

The fire broke out after 10 a.m. Firefighters fought the blaze on all three floors and the roof. It took more than three hours to knock it down. Among the departments responding for mutual aid were Buchanan, Verplanck, Croton-on-Hudson and Yorktown Heights.

Management at the 55-and-older complex opened up the recreation center as a reception area for the victims, said Carolyn Sherwin of the Red Cross. "Everyone was there working together."

All of the displaced residents found places to stay last night, most with family, Sherwin said. The Red Cross is providing emergency assistance and the Springvale management is working with other senior housing groups, she said.

Red Cross volunteers were scheduled to meet with several victims and their family members at the scene Thursday.

PHOTOS via Red Cross