Heavy Smoke At GAP Distribution Center Causes Evacuation

Numerous fire departments are on the scene of a "smoke" situation at the Gap Distribution Center in the village of Fishkill, the site of one of the region's worst fires.

Firefighters dousing hot spots at the fire at the Gap Inc. clothing distribution center in Fishkill three years ago.
Photo Credit: *Contributed*

Kathy Reakes

09/26/2019 2:11 p.m.

According to New York State Police, reports of smoke in one of the large commercial buildings was reported around noon on Thursday, Sept. 26, at the center located at 110 Merritt Blvd., said Trooper AJ Hicks.

Employees have been evacuated from the building, and firefighters are searching for the source of the smoke, he said. No fire was visible at the time.

A massive fire broke out at the warehouse on Merritt Boulevard shortly before 11 p.m. on Aug. 29, 2016, gutting the 990,000-square-foot building.

A subsequent investigation by the ATF determined that the fire was “incendiary in nature,” and intentionally set.

The rapid, engulfing blaze cost an estimated $1 million in damage, officials said. The commercial structure fire prompted the evacuation of 108 workers and injured one firefighter.

The center serves the northeast region for Old Navy, Banana Republic, Gap Inc., Gap Factory and Banana Republic Factory to fill in-store and online orders.

This is a developing story. Check back to Daily Voice for updates.

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