Fire Destroys Senior Housing Complex In Carmel, Leaves 37 Homeless

CARMEL, N.Y. -- It was a traumatic night for the 37 residents of the Hughson Commons Senior Housing as fire swept through the complex completely destroying two apartments and damaging numerous others, according to the Carmel Police Department.

Carmel firefighters battled a large blaze at Hughson Commons Senior Housing that destroyed the building overnight.
Photo Credit: *Google Maps*

K Reakes

11/15/2016 9:52 a.m.

The first call for the fire came in at 3:50 a.m. for the complex at 1201 Gable's Way in Carmel, said Lt. John Dearman.

When Carmel police and fire arrived they found two apartments fully engulfed in flames, he added.

Dearman said two police officers and a Sheriff's sergeant went from door to door to rescue residents.

"They were literally kicking doors down and carrying people out," he said.

The fire started in a third-floor apartment and quickly moved to next apartment before firefighters were able to get the flames under control, officials said.

The occupants of the two apartments that were engulfed in flames were able to escape before firefighters arrived, Dearman said.

The Carmel Fire Department was assisted by close to a dozen neighboring fire departments from throughout Putnam County in battling the blaze, along with multiple ambulances and paramedics, Dearman said.

Carmel detectives and the Putnam County Fire Investigation Team are currently investigating the cause of the fire and the Town of Carmel building inspector has deemed the entire building uninhabitable until further notice, he added.

No on was injured and the 37 displaced residents were transported to the Putnam County 911 Center by Carmel Central School buses. The Red Cross is on hand to provide assistance to the residents, Dearman said.

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