Fire in Rockland County leaves residents displaced and with unanswered questions
A spokesperson for the Highlands Nanuet tells News 12 that the work was part of a Verizon Fios installation project to upgrade internet. First responders say the cause is not yet determined as the investigation continues.
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Building 28 in the Highlands complex in Nanuet is now boarded up. Residents returned to their former homes Wednesday to see if they can find anything salvageable.
"My grandmother's bible. My grandmother's sermon notes,” said Jarius Toogood, who lived in one of the eight apartments destroyed by Tuesday’s fire at the Highlands in Nanuet.
"I am very glad that no one’s life was lost," said Toogood. "But the second thing is that someone has to be responsible, someone has to be held accountable for this because this is inappropriate in so many different ways."
Before the fire, Supervisor George Hoehmann says subcontractors were laying down fiber optic lines in the area.
A spokesperson for the Highlands Nanuet tells News 12 that the work was part of a Verizon Fios installation project to upgrade internet.
First responders declared that Tuesday's fire was gas-fed.
The cause is not yet determined as the investigation continues.
A loud boom and flash was caught on camera in new cellphone video given to News 12 from a nearby neighbor.
Meanwhile, displaced residents are staying with family or in places through the Red Cross.
One woman is still looking for her dog, Murphy.
She is asking the public to keep an eye out for him.
Orange & Rockland says it is not able to provide any information until the investigation ends.
A Highlands spokesperson said some residents are planning to move into other units. The complex has also begun a donation drive for clothes, food and furniture.
Today's previous news coverage
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