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Peekskill Crews Continue To Work At Fire Scene; Aid Offered To Victims

PEEKSKILL, N.Y. -- Peekskill officials were still dealing Friday with the aftermath of a housing fire on Lakeview Drive that left about 25 people homeless Thursday and the building destroyed.

Thursday's apartment complex fire on Lakeview Drive in Peekskill destroyed 16 homes and left about 25 people homeless.

Thursday's apartment complex fire on Lakeview Drive in Peekskill destroyed 16 homes and left about 25 people homeless.

Photo Credit: Art Cusano

"Crews are on the job working to fully restore water service to buildings that neighbor Thursday's fire scene," Peekskill spokesman Bob Knight said.

"Currently, Peekskill Tower has water, but other buildings in the Hudson View complex do not. The city has arranged for tanker trucks to temporarily distribute potable water to affected residents. City crews continue to assist Hudson View's property managers in restoring water service."

Fire crews have remained on the scene to address occasional flare-ups at the apartment building, but the blaze was mostly out and under control, he said. The building has been razed, he said. The Red Cross is assisting fire victims in finding temporary housing.

Responding fire units experience setbacks Thursday when a water main on Garfield Avenue broke. But there was never a total loss of water at the site, only a loss of water pressure that fire crews were able to circumvent, Knight said.

It may be several weeks before the investigation into the fire is complete, and city officials believe the cause may never be known due to the extent of the damage, he said.

"Crews had to knock down the building last night to prevent a collapse, so forensic evidence may have been compromised," Knight said.

A boil water advisory remains in effect for Garfield Street, Pemart Avenue, Catherine Street, Lakeview Drive and Marion Avenue and will continue for at least the next two days. The city will send out a notice when the advisory has been rescinded.

A tanker water truck was parked in front of Peekskill towers for the residents of Peekskill Towers and Hudson View Estates on Friday.

"I'd like to applaud the hard work of the Peekskill Fire Department and our other city crews who have been working around the clock, addressing the fire and water main break," said Mayor Mary Foster. "The people who lost their homes are in our thoughts today, and we're deeply relieved there were no injuries."

St. Peter's Episcopal Church has started collecting clothing and food to help the fire victims. Donations will be accepted Saturday at the parish hall, 137 N. Division St. The food pantry there will be open from 9 to 11 a.m. and items will be set aside for the fire victims. Victims are also welcome to use Fred's Pantry as a resource.

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