Clarkstown Assistant Fire Inspector Harold Straut said the cause of Monday’s house fire on Phillips Hill Road has not been determined. Straut said investigators would return to the scene today to examine the remains of the house. They were also there on Tuesday when the fire rekindled in the late morning and Congers firefighters responded to extinguish it.
Straut said they are looking at the overall picture and not focusing on a single area.
“Nothing has been ruled out yet,” he said.
Straut said it appears that the New City house’s gas line broke under the weight of falling debris. No damage occurred to the cottage and second house on the property although gas and electric service was shut off for a time.
Straut confirmed that two pets, both dogs died in the fire. He said one dog and one bird were rescued from the cottage.
The fire on Monday morning at 290 Phillips Hill Road drew fire companies from across the county. They had to stretch hoses for 1,800 feet from the nearest hydrant up a long driveway to reach the blaze in the 4,500 square foot home. At least two firefighters were taken to Nyack Hospital for treatment.
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