Investigators: Fire at Orange County transfer station sparked by dozens of discarded torches

Authorities say roughly 30 discarded boxes with Airlighter torches inside caught fire while an excavator claw was handling a pile of dumped material that they were in.

Blaise Gomez

Aug 22, 2023, 5:28 PM

Updated 250 days ago

Share:

Investigators say a 2-alarm fire Tuesday morning at Orange County’s transfer station in Goshen was caused by discarded torches.  
News 12 was given video by county officials that showed the flames as it fully engulfed two bays on Training Center Lane around 9:20 a.m.
Authorities say roughly 30 discarded boxes with Airlighter torches inside caught fire while an excavator claw was handling a pile of dumped material that they were in.
Fire officials say the torches were not supposed to be discarded at the facility. 
Other people dumping off trash and building employees had to be evacuated during the fire. 
“The fire was already too advanced for them to attempt to extinguish it, so they evacuated and everyone was out on our arrival," said Goshen Fire Chief Dan Graham. 
Graham says a nearby hydrant wasn’t working and that a dozen mutual aid companies responded - several of them with water tankers.
Hazmat was also on the scene but did not find any contamination, according to county officials. 
Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus says that the building does not appear to have significant fire damage due to its metal frame construction but that an inspection will be done to confirm the structure is sound. 
No one was injured and the transfer station was reopened on Tuesday afternoon.


More from News 12
2:33
2 defendants in body parts case plead not guilty to second-degree murder charges

2 defendants in body parts case plead not guilty to second-degree murder charges

2:19
Temperatures may hit 80 today, but pop-up showers arrive this afternoon

Temperatures may hit 80 today, but pop-up showers arrive this afternoon

Westchester Police Emergency Service Unit conducts special training at closed Galleria Mall

Westchester Police Emergency Service Unit conducts special training at closed Galleria Mall

Orange County teachers in the running to be named ‘America’s Favorite Teacher’

Orange County teachers in the running to be named ‘America’s Favorite Teacher’

Gas leak at East Fishkill’s Amazon warehouse prompted employee evacuation

Gas leak at East Fishkill’s Amazon warehouse prompted employee evacuation

0:13
Sheriff: Windows shattered in Hopewell Junction bus crash, no major injuries

Sheriff: Windows shattered in Hopewell Junction bus crash, no major injuries

1:03
Pelham Manor man pleads guilty in health care fraud and kickback scheme

Pelham Manor man pleads guilty in health care fraud and kickback scheme

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

0:39
Sean 'Diddy' Combs files motion to dismiss some claims in a sexual assault lawsuit

Sean 'Diddy' Combs files motion to dismiss some claims in a sexual assault lawsuit

2:02
Traffic Alert: Gas line work in Tarrytown to affect roads for the next 3 to 4 weeks

Traffic Alert: Gas line work in Tarrytown to affect roads for the next 3 to 4 weeks

0:38
Metro-North parking lot closed as Apple’s 'Swipe' films in Rye today

Metro-North parking lot closed as Apple’s 'Swipe' films in Rye today

0:54
Headlines: Mamaroneck home burglary, shots fired in Poughkeepsie, kayaker rescued

Headlines: Mamaroneck home burglary, shots fired in Poughkeepsie, kayaker rescued

0:18
Yonkers police launch 'Family Police Initiative' to strengthen community bonds

Yonkers police launch 'Family Police Initiative' to strengthen community bonds

0:23
Sorority recognized for nurturing community and environment

Sorority recognized for nurturing community and environment

0:41
Vote Now: Help choose the next cover model for DEC's Habitat & Access stamp

Vote Now: Help choose the next cover model for DEC's Habitat & Access stamp

0:19
914United expands presence in Yonkers, aims to steer youth away from crime

914United expands presence in Yonkers, aims to steer youth away from crime

0:25
Westchester's 1st Artists and Crafters Market draws over 40 talented creators

Westchester's 1st Artists and Crafters Market draws over 40 talented creators

0:46
Westchester Medical Center receives national recognition for epilepsy treatment expertise

Westchester Medical Center receives national recognition for epilepsy treatment expertise

0:23
City of Newburgh police chief hired as safety director for Newburgh schools

City of Newburgh police chief hired as safety director for Newburgh schools

2:37
Kane In Your Corner: What you need to know about the use of herbal product Kratom

Kane In Your Corner: What you need to know about the use of herbal product Kratom