SPRING VALLEY – The body of a Spring Valley firefighter who was killed in the massive fire that destroyed the Evergreen Court Home for Adults in that village has been recovered. The inferno on Lafayette Street in Spring Valley broke out around 1 am. on Tuesday.
One resident also died after being brought to a hospital.
All 112 other residents have been accounted for, said Evergreen Director Denise Kerr.
The firefighter was on the third floor of the three-story building in the process of rescuing residents when the section of the building collapsed, said Rockland County Fire Coordinator Chris Kear.
Firefighters rescued between 20 and 30 residents, he said.
He said excavation equipment was removing the debris piece by piece looking for any victims.
On Wednesday morning, the firefighter’s body was recovered from the collapsed structure. Town of Clarkstown Supervisor George Hoehmann said a news conference is scheduled to provide additional details about “This wonderful volunteer firefighter who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to others.”
Two firefighters were also taken to the hospital with one released and the other kept overnight.
The cause of the blaze is under investigation. Kerr said owners of the adult home are “fully cooperating with all state and local authorities in the investigation of his fire and are conducting our own internal investigation as well.”
County Executive Ed Day called the fire “a day of pain.”
Fire departments from Rockland and Bergen counties fought the blaze with Westchester departments on standby. The FDNY and Yonkers Fire Department dispatched mobile emergency response units to the scene.
Kerr said anyone who wishes to inquire about a family member can call 973-378-1997 or email info@evergreencourtalp.com.
Residents of the nursing home are in need of clothing and toiletries and a list of drop-off locations is here.
