Barton Orchard Fire Destroys 2 Buildings, Numerous Vehicles

POUGHQUAG, NY — The devastating fire at Barton Orchards, presumably caused when a propane truck leaking fuel burst into flames, is under investigation, according to the Dutchess County Sheriff's Office.

The fire began around 12:45 p.m. Monday at the orchards, located at 63 Apple Tree Lane in the town of Beekman.

Numerous buildings and vehicles in the area were damaged, and the blaze was eventually brought under control by the Beekman Fire Department with the assistance of numerous other local fire departments.

First Assistant Chief Robert Mallen of the Beekman Fire District said in a news release the initial call was a report of a propane truck leaking into multiple buildings at the orchard.

When crews got there, they encountered an active fire involving multiple vehicles — including the propane truck — and adjacent buildings. A second alarm was requested.

Initial fire suppression efforts were attempted but were not successful because of the rapid fire fueled by the propane.

Numerous resources were brought to the scene, the assistant chief said, and the immediate area was evacuated of all first responders and others in the area and surrounding neighborhood.

Firefighters worked to cool the propane truck tank and suppress the flames on the buildings and vehicles. The fire was under control about three hours into the incident; fire personnel cleared the scene around 7 p.m.

Mallen said one firefighter suffered a minor injury, but all the animals on the property were unharmed.

He said numerous vehicles and two buildings were destroyed, and there was heat damage to several of the surrounding buildings.

Beekman-Poughquag Road between Recreation Road and Beekman Road was closed but reopened Monday evening.

Owners of Barton Orchards, a 175-acre apple orchard and vegetable farm, said on Facebook that they appreciated all the love and support the public has sent their way.

"We will rebuild," they said.