On Monday, August 16th at approximately 10:34 pm, the Monroe Fire Dept. was dispatched to an 'unknown type fire' behind the Forest Rd. shopping center in the Village of Kiryas Joel. Monroe Car 1 (Chief Michael Terracino) was first on scene and reported a working structure fire in the basement level of the shopping center. The fire building was a 3 story shopping center with approximately 10 stores on the basement level (1st floor), approximately 10-15 stores on the 2nd floor, and a large catering hall and offices on the 3rd floor.

Attack lines were positioned in the original fire store, in the exposure 2 and 4 sides, and the 2nd floor store directly above the fire, which was also heavily damaged. Interior crews were able to quickly knock down the fire despite heavy smoke conditions, which effected numerous stores. After being advised of chemicals present in the structure and with the possibility of contamination, Command requested the Orange County Hazardous Material Team to the scene. Once Hazmat officials were on scene it was determined that the chemicals being used were extremely toxic and posed a serious health hazard if they were directly exposed to fire. A quarantine area was then established with all Monroe and Mutual Aid firefighters who operated inside the structure. Orange County Hazmat Personnel donned Level A suits to locate the chemical containers and ascertain their condition. After several trips the Hazmat Team confirmed a low level of exposure for the chemicals, and all manpower was released at approximately 6:00 am.

Due to continuing water problems in Kiryas Joel 1 Tanker from Harriman and Lakeside were dispatched automatic response. Chief Terracino requested additional Mutual Aid from Woodbury (1 Engine, 1 Tanker, 1 Rescue, FAST Team), Chester (1 Ladder), and South Blooming Grove (1 Engine) to the scene. Tuxedo, Chester, and Goshen were on standby in Monroe Station 1, Cornwall was on standby in Woodbury.

Due to the extensive Hazardous Materials clean up, Monroe units remained on scene until approximately 1:00 pm the next day.