Police: Fire that Destroyed West Nyack Home 'Not Suspicious'

Clarkstown Police investigators returned this morning to the West Nyack home that was destroyed Thursday afternoon by a massive fire that produced smoke that could be seen for miles away.

They continue to look for clues to what caused the blaze at 5 Alex Court, where four residents were able to safely escape. While police said they are uncertain of how the fire started, the fire is not considered suspicious.

Because of the size of the home and the extent of the damage done, police said they are expecting a lengthy investigation into the fire. Police confirmed today that the home's smoke detectors worked and alerted the residents in time for them to make their escape.

The fire was reported about 12:44 p.m. and took more than 55 volunteer firefighters from West Nyack and neigbhoring fire departments to knock down. Smoke from the fire could be seen as far away as Westchester County, and the blaze was so intense that firefighters could not even get into the three-story structure.

Heat from the fire also damaged a neighboring home, melting its vinyl siding and destroying a vinyl fence. No one was injured in the fire and none of the firefighters or police responding to the fire were injured.