Fires At Fishkill Apartment Complex Were Set: Police

FISHKILL, NY — Police are investigating fires set at the Village at Merritt Park in Fishkill Sunday.
Multiple fire departments responded to the fires around 10:15 p.m.

Authorities said seven rear back porches, which had paper products being stored for recycling, were set on fire at the 200, 400 and 800 buildings.

All the families living in the 200 building were displaced due to extensive damage.

Damage appeared mostly limited to the exterior of the 400 building, police said, while there was minor damage to the 800 building. Each building has 24 apartments.

All occupants were evacuated safely. No injuries were reported.

The American Red Cross helped the displaced victims and provided disaster relief to 24 adults and two children, the Poughkeepsie Journal reported.

Captain John Ryan, acting Troop K commander, said the community can expect to see a higher police presence in the area because of the nature of the fires.

"What would motivate someone to do this is unclear at this time," he said, "but we will be working tirelessly to find out who did this and why."

State police said the investigation into the fires is ongoing. Anyone with possible information is asked to call them at 845-677-7300.

The Village at Merritt Park is located just off of Merritt Boulevard and north of the Gap Distribution Center.

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— CT Fire Photo (@ctfirephoto) April" class="redactor-linkify-object">https://twitter.com/ctfirephot... 19, 2021