Investigation Continues Into Fatal Spring Valley Fire

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — As speculation swirls around the massive blaze that destroyed the Evergreen Court Home for Adults and killed two people Tuesday, officials are asking for patience.

News12 reported Thursday that systems had been turned off in part of the old building, which housed 113 residents.

Rockland County Director of Fire and Emergency Services Chris Kear issued a statement Thursday:

As this remains an active investigation by the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, Office of Fire Prevention and Control and the Spring Valley Police Department we cannot comment on the specific status of the alarm system. We ask that everyone allow the time required for this investigation to reach its conclusion. We are quite sure that any and all concerns will be fully investigated and addressed in the final report.

The massive building was a converted hotel built in 1903.

Smoke alarm and sprinkler systems were reported reviewed and up to date as of February, The Journal News reported.

The Rockland County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed Thursday that the body recovered Wednesday after a 20-hour search through the rubble was that of firefighter Jared Lloyd.

The 35-year-old lieutenant with Columbian Engine Co. No. 1 had sent out a Mayday call as first responders raced to rescue residents from the upper floors before they collapsed, but he could not be reached.

"One of the many responsibilities of the Medical Examiner is identification of decedents," said Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Laura Carbone in a statement. "I would like for all to understand that this can prove difficult, challenging and/or time-consuming depending upon various factors including the condition of the body, availability of pertinent records and/or coordination of efforts involving other agencies."

Spring Valley Police are seeking any photos or videos from before, during or after the fire.

"Any and all assistance would be greatly appreciated and we thank you for your time," Spring Valley police said on Facebook. Submit them at tips@villagespringvalley.org.

The investigation will be painstaking and will take time, officials said Wednesday.

Rockland County Sheriff Louis Falco said members of his department's fire investigation unit were working with state investigators and local police, fire and building inspectors to find the causes of the fire, which also killed a male resident whose identity has not been released.

"We don't have any indications just yet whether it's a suspicious fire or accidental," he said Wednesday.

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