SUFFERN – Fire early Wednesday morning ripped through a commercial building at 83 Lafayette Avenue in Suffern.
The fire is believed to have started in Rockland Halal Meat, located on the first floor of building, before spreading to office spaces located on the upper floors.
Below freezing temperatures complicated efforts to contain the inferno. As hose lines froze and firefighters slipped on ice, first responders began salting the area in front of the store, while the fire still raged on.
Rockland fire companies were assisted by firefighters from neighboring Mahwah, New Jersey.
While damage to the structure appears extensive, there have been no reported injuries or fatalities after the hours’-long effort to contain the blaze.
Village Mayor Michael Curley promised to support those businesses damaged by the fire. “This is the heart of our village. We’re a great community with great businesses. We’re going to work together to get it operational again as soon as possible,” he said.
