Photos by DB Weimer

At approx 1730 hours on August 6, 2002 the Orange Lake and Winona Lake Fire Departments from the Town of Newburgh were alerted for a reported plane down at the North End of Orange Lake. Upon his arrival Orange Lake Chief Charles Trojahn found a large fire in a munitions bunker complex in the rear of 380 Rockcut Rd, the complex is now privately owned and used for fireworks Storage.

Chief Trojahn had heavy fire from the #2 Bunker and in 2 trailers loaded with explosives parked in front of the bunker and debris littered the area. Due to the contents being explosive an immediate mutual aid request was placed for a Foam Crash Truck from Stewart Airguard Fire Dept. Coldenham, Walden, Cronomer Valley, Middle Hope, Good Will, New Windsor. Plattekill, Modena, Wallkill, Clintondale, Highland and New Paltz are a few of the Departments who assisted at scene as well as 1 Engine from the City of Beacon in Dutchess County.

Due to the main fireload being explosives for fireworks the NY State Police Bomb Squad, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms along with the Town of Newburgh Fire Inspectors Office. Upon searching the area after the fire was knocked down, officials did discover a D.O.A. The fire is under investigation by Orange County Arson Investigation Unit and the ATF.