06/26/2026
On Wednesday, June 24, at 7:56 AM, the Congers Fire Department was dispatched to Vitane Pharmaceuticals at 125 Wells Avenue for a reported commercial structure fire.
Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy smoke emanating from the building's entrance. Crews quickly determined that the building was unoccupied at the time of the incident. The facility manufactures vitamins and dietary supplements, and due to the nature of the food grade chemicals stored inside, the Rockland County HazMat Team was requested to respond.
During firefighting operations, a significant explosion occurred, resulting in a partial collapse within the building. As a result, the surrounding area was evacuated as a precaution. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported. First responders remained on scene for approximately 14 hours, working to extinguish the fire, mitigate hazards, and ensure the area was safe.
The Clarkstown Police Department Detective Bureau Fire Investigations Unit is currently investigating the cause of the fire.
The Congers Fire Department would like to thank the following agencies for their assistance and support during this incident:
โข Congers Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary
โข Town of Clarkstown Police Department
โข Town of Clarkstown Highway Department
โข Town of Clarkstown Fire Inspectors
โข New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control
โข Rockland County Fire Coordinators Office
โข Goosetown Communications
โข New City Fire Engine Co. No. 1
โข West Haverstraw Fire Department
โข Valley Cottage Fire Department 22
โข Rockland County HazMat Team
โข Rockland County Technical Rescue Team
โข Haverstraw Fire Department
โข Central Nyack Fire Department
โข West-Nyack Fire-Department
โข Sparkill - Palisades Fire Department
โข Pearl River Fire Department
โข Wayne Hose Company #1 Stony Point Fire Dept
โข Suffern Fire Department
โข Piermont Fire Department
โข Nyack Fire Department
โข South Spring Valley FD
โข Monsey Fire Dept
โข Tallman Volunteer Fire Department
โข Sloatsburg Fire Department
โข Mahwah Res1cue
โข Thiells Fire Department
โข Rockland Paramedic Services
โข Congers-Valley Cottage Volunteer Ambulance Corps
โข New City Ambulance Corps
โข Stony Point Ambulance Corps Inc
โข Haverstraw Ambulance Corps, Inc.
โข South Orangetown Ambulance Corps
โข NY State DEC
โข NY State DEP
โข ATF
โข Westchester County Hazmat
โข Rockland County Sheriff's Office
โข New York State Police
โข Rockland County Firefighters Emerald Society
โข Rockland County Sheriff's Office - 911/Communications
The Congers Fire Department would also like to thank Sangria's Mexican restaurant of Congers and Star Kay White for generously donating food to the first responders operating at the scene. Their support and generosity were greatly appreciated by everyone involved.
The Congers Fire Department appreciates the professionalism, teamwork, and coordinated response of all agencies involved in bringing this incident under control.
Photo by: Brian Duddy
