[VIDEO IN EXTENDED ARTICLE]

At approximately 2:44AM Thursday morning, the Ramapo Police Department responded to 311 North Main Street, in the Hillcrest area of the Town of Ramapo for a reported structure fire. The building is known as the Hillcrest Service Center, and was found to be fully engulfed in flames upon officer’s arrival. While on scene, an officer observed that a residence located at 2 Locust Street was endangered by the encroaching flames. The officer alerted the residents to evacuate as a precaution. That residence ultimately was not damaged by the fire.

Hillcrest Fire Department responded to extinguish the fire and was assisted on scene by the Spring Valley Fire Department. Spring Hill Volunteer Ambulance Corps and William P. Faist Ambulance Corps remained on scene, but no injuries were reported at this time.

The Ramapo Police Department was also assisted by the Rockland County Sheriff’s Department Patrol Division, Rockland County Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Arson Investigation Unit. The fire is currently under investigation by the Ramapo Police Investigations Unit.

(Charles Gross – YWN)