Spring Valley Fire: 1 Dead, 11 Hurt, Firefighter Missing

SPRING VALLEY, NY — One person was killed, at least 10 people were injured, and a firefighter remained missing after a massive fire broke out at an assisted living facility in Spring Valley Tuesday morning.

The fire at the Evergreen Court Home for Adults claimed the life of one resident. Another who was unaccounted for was later found, according to Rockland County officials. More than 100 people were left homeless. SEE: Spring Valley Fire: Relocating More Than 100 Residents

Search teams in the afternoon were still looking for a missing firefighter who put out a mayday call before the building collapsed, officials said.

Nine residents and a firefighter were hospitalized at Westchester Medical Center.

The missing firefighter, a man, was on the third floor trying to rescue a resident, according to Chris Kear, Rockland County's director of fire and emergency services. The firefighter issued a mayday call and firefighters went in the building but could not locate him and had to back out, Kear said.

Kear said teams were combing through the rubble and small excavators were brought in to assist with debris, such as steel beams, that the firefighters couldn't shift on their own.

“We have to peel it back layer by layer,” Kear said.

A whole section of the complex — a long, frame three-story building — completely collapsed.

Officials were still trying to account for everyone who lived at the home. While the whole building was aflame, firefighters were using the fire escapes to bring people out and down before it collapsed.

The investigation of the fire's cause was just beginning. The building had a partial sprinkler system, Kear said.

Several residents were in serious condition; one firefighter was treated and released and the other was hospitalized for treatment of smoke inhalation, Lyon said Tuesday morning.

The Spring Valley Police Department received a call just before 1 a.m. about smoke and a fire alarm in the building, Kear said. Police arrived within minutes and the Spring Valley Fire Department about four minutes later. The chief immediately called for mutual aid.

"There were firefighters and police officers carrying victims out, leading them out when I arrived several minutes in," Kear said. "There were a ton of people in the parking lot and some lying on the ground, some sitting on the ground.

"It was a Herculean effort," he said. "The work by the local fire departments and the Spring Valley police saved numerous lives here."

About 133 residents live at the complex, Kear said.

"We are still trying to figure out the exact number of residents," he said. "We are working with the owner of the building."

According to the New York State Department of Health, the Evergreen Court Home for Adults is a 200-bed assisted living facility. The home is certified by the state to provide care and support for adults with disabilities and senior citizens.

A joint investigation has begun involving local, county and state investigators, he said. "There is no speculation on any cause."

Twenty-three of 26 Rockland County Fire Departments responded to the fire. Numerous ambulance corps and EMT agencies came to the scene; fire departments from Bergen and Westchester counties assisted at nearby firehouses. The Red Cross supported the first responders with water, beverages and snacks.

Rockland's fire services are entirely voluntary, and the firefighters go through intensive training continually, though the coronavirus pandemic hampered the county's training center in Pomona, Kear pointed out. "There’s a report of people trapped in the building, then your training kicks in ... You risk a lot to save a lot."

"Volunteers came on scene and in that moment of pain found their moment of heroism," said Rockland County Executive Ed Day. "I’m asking everybody to have a moment of gratitude for firefighters in service to the community."

The old frame building itself is one that is conducive to the rapid spread of fire, he said. "That’s why it’s so important that people have smoke detectors and have an exit plan.

"Any other details about the cause and progress of the fire will all come out, it’s just way too early," Day said.

Kear called the fire gut-wrenching. "Any type of loss of life is devastating. When it’s one of your own…"

"The actions taken by firefighters, police officers, paramedics, ambulance crews, and every single person who responded were heroic, selfless, and loving. We know that the lives of dozens of older and frail people were saved thanks to the rescue efforts of these compassionate Good Samaritans," said Rockland County Legislator Toney L. Earl, who represents District 8, where the Evergreen Court Home For Adults is located.

“I’m so thankful that so many were saved, and I pray that all of those who were injured recover quickly and fully and do not endure much pain. I went to the fire scene today and was just shocked to see the devastation. I had visited the home many times before and what was once there is now completely gone.

"While I am grateful today, my joy is small because one of Spring Valley Fire Department’s own is missing. I ask everyone to keep this firefighter in their prayers. I know several members of the department, so this hits close to home. I extend my sincerest gratitude to all members of the fire department – people who volunteer their time and energy to train and respond to fires, accidents and other emergencies simply because they want to give back. I also want each member to know that they and their life-saving efforts made a difference today and will always be remembered and respected," Earl said.

Congressman Mondaire Jones (D-Rockland/Westchester) issued a statement on the deadly fire:

“I’m horrified to learn of the deadly fire that tore through the Evergreen Court Home in my hometown of Spring Valley early this morning. I am deeply saddened by the death of a resident of the Evergreen facility, and I am praying that the firefighter who bravely risked his life to save dozens of individuals trapped inside will be found safe and alive. My heart goes out to all of the Evergreen Court residents, staff, and their loved ones, along with the firefighters and first responders who heroically ran into the facility to rescue dozens of individuals trapped inside.

"I’ve spoken with Rockland County Executive Day to offer my condolences and support. As we learn more about the cause of the fire and the extent of the damage, my office and I will continue to work in close partnership with local officials to assist anyone affected by this tragedy in any way that we can.”

Those residents who safely evacuated from the Evergreen facility and did not require urgent medical treatment were initially taken to the nearby New Golden Acres assisted living facility. The elderly evacuees have since been relocated from the temporary staging area, in some cases to stay with family members or else have found placement at other longterm care facilities in the region.

"Everyone was in good spirits, healthy and most important, alive," New Golden Acres spokesperson Ian Rose told Patch. "I'm actually calling family members right now to tell them their loved ones are safe. I'm talking to a lot of very relieved families today."

State Assemblyman Elijian Reichlin-Melnick is collecting supplies for all the displaced residents. Donations can be brought to his offices at 20 S. Main Street in New City or at 2 Church Street in Ossining.

Patch editors Michael Woyton and Jeff Edwards contributed to this report.

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