POUGHQUAG – A fire ripped through several buildings at Barton Orchards on Monday afternoon destroying at least two buildings and damaging several others. The fire at the Apple Tree Lane tourist attraction erupted at the farm in the Beekman hamlet of Poughquag just before 1:00 p.m. on Monday, August 22.
The original 911 call reported a propane leak that occurred when the fuel delivery truck was at the site.
When the first fire official arrived minutes later he reported that flames were visible at one of the structures and spreading rapidly. The command also reported that the Bottini Fuels propane truck was also in flames. Responding firefighters worked successfully to keep the fuel truck cooled down, avoiding an explosion.
The efforts of dozens of firefighters from several fire departments worked quickly to prevent catastrophe, according to one source at the scene. The fire had spread rapidly from structure to structure due to the short distance between the buildings. It was reported that the primary propane line ran to each of the buildings from the primary tank being filled, expediting the spread of flames.
As of Monday evening, two buildings were completely destroyed, with several others sustaining various levels of damage from the fire, smoke, and water. The primary loss, according to a fire official, was the building that housed the orchard’s kitchen, donut shop, and performance stage. Only a few charred upright supports and the air conditioning units were left of the large pole barn-style building.
No injuries were reported to first responders, civilians, or livestock at the orchard. Road closures in the area were lifted on Monday evening.
The cause and exact origin of the fire are under investigation by the Dutchess County Fire Investigation Division.
