The Eugene (Gene) Murphy Family Says Thank You :: And An Updated Donation List For Those Who Want To Support


The Community of Beacon has been keeping up with the developments of the Eugene (Gene) Murphy Family, after their tragic loss of everything in their home that they lived in, including their cars. Most importantly, the Murphy family lost their patriarch Gene Murphy, in the fast moving fire that blew through the small house with the high winds that swept through Beacon that early April evening. Read about how the firefighters battled the blaze here.

Markus - age 15 - his body was burned, including his head, feet and hands. His body is heavily bandaged in the Burn Unit at Westchester Medical Center. His arms are elevated from what looks like stretchy gauze, to help his hands heal.
— ALBB

Gene Murphy’s two elder children (in their 50s), a daughter and son who lived in the home, did escape the fire without serious injury. His daughter (Markus’ grandmother) did suffer burns. But his great grandson, Markus Louis, a 10th grader at Beacon High School, was severely burned and was in critical condition at the Westchester Medical Hospital. He has since stabilized, and begun several surgeries to heal his burns.

A family friend, Patrick O'Dell, who is also the moderator and narrator for the Dutchess County Scanner Feed on FB, has been updating the community with donation needs, both financial and specific item requests. Patrick has also been updating about the physical healing progress of Markus. “Somehow he is in good spirits,” Patrick has said. Beacon City School District Superintendent Landahl has also been updating district families with Markus' condition via email.

Since that time, donations continue to come in as new needs arise (those needs have been posted below), which have mainly been published in private Facebook groups. ALBB reached out to Patrick to see how ALBB can help and what we can make public. Patric had expressed: "I did not expect the response to be so fast. People are truly amazing. The extended community have come out to help the family who were living in this home with such love and generosity. Their biggest concern is making sure everyone knows that they cannot be a more emotional, appreciative and thankful beyond words for each and every person who has helped."

Through ALBB and Patrick, the Murphy Family has issued this note of gratitude:

"The Murphy family cannot express how thankful and overwhelmed by the amount of love, support & generosity from everyone who has helped in any way since the tragedy. They wish they could thank each and every one individually but want everyone to know how much it means to them. A special thank you to the many people from the Beacon City School District! Their support of Markus has been amazing!"

Update On Donations

The Howland Public Library has become a connection point for donated items for Markus and the Murphy Family. The library put out their own note of thanks as they continue to collect items:

"Thank you to everyone who has donated clothing items! Your generosity has been overwhelming and deeply appreciated. At this time, the Murphy family is no longer in need of clothing donations. However, we are still collecting gift cards to help support their ongoing needs. Gift cards to stores like Ocean State Job Lot and Wal-Mart are especially helpful and can be dropped off at the front desk of the Howland Public Library, 313 Main Street, Beacon, during regular business hours. Thank you for continuing to support a local family in need. 💛"

Patrick posted the library's OPEN hours:

Monday 9:30 AM–5:30 PM
Tuesday 9:30 AM–8 PM
Wednesday 9:30 AM–5:30 PM
Thursday 9:30 AM–8 PM
Friday 9:30 AM–5:30 PM
Saturday 10 AM–4 PM
Sunday 12–4 PM

About the GoFundMe

Patrick has expressed that the family appreciates the GoFundMe drive, but that funds are hard to get at in times of immediate need. The GoFundMe is about to exceed $70,000 (go go go!) Gift Cards are welcome, and can be dropped off at the Beacon Public Library. For people who love GoFundMe and need the convenience of online donating, the link is here: https://gofund.me/ce94d87e

About Markus, age 15, 10th Grade:

Patrick posted pictures of Markus in the hospital, along with an update as to what they need donated to those who wish to donate. These photos are in private Facebook Groups only, and Patrick wishes to keep it that way. The donation update has been shared on Facebook over 520 times. That's just Shared, not even the amount of Likes.

Patrick wishes to keep the photos of Markus in the hospital private at this time (despite the overwhelming amount of 520+ shares), so we will describe them to you, so that people can realize what life is like for a receiving (thank goodness he is alive) teenager. Markus - age 15 - body was burned. Including his head, feet and hands. His body is wrapped in white bandages, and his arms are elevated from what looks like stretchy gauze. His whole body is wrapped in white bandages, and his arms are elevated from what looks like stretchy gauze. To keep his body stable. When the photos were posted, they were accompanied by this descriptive note from Patrick:

"This is Markus. Markus is 15 years old, full of life, loves video games, basketball and school (every employee of the school district loves him) having a normal evening in Beacon on April 15th when a wind-fueled fire tore the house at 6:20pm. Markus lost his great grandfather, his grandmother suffered from a few serious burns & her brother escaped major injury.

Attempting to get out [of the burning house], Markus suffered critical burns mainly to his feet, face & head. Then, the worst are horrible burns to his hands and wrist. He is in Westchester Medical Center Burn Unit. He has had the first of several major surgeries. Somehow he is in good spirits. He is positioned where he cannot move. He will be there for a very long time. Everything in the house was a total loss. In an attempt to make Markus have something, I am asking for help. These items can make a huge difference. If you upgraded [technology in your own life], have anything laying around, maybe your job? If they work and you can generously donate any of them you would be so appreciated & make him so happy!"

Perhaps, if any car dealerships are reading this, they could donate cars to Markus for when he gets out of the hospital, and to his grandmother. And perhaps repair the black new-ish looking pickup truck that was damaged.
— ALBB

Following is a list of requested, and then donated items. While the family requests gift cards to Job Lots and Wal-Mart, you may also consider Best Buy. For technology things. Though that could be purchased at Wal-Mart, along with groceries, one supposes. Perhaps, if any car dealerships are reading this, they could donate cars to Markus for when he gets out of the hospital, and to his grandmother. And perhaps repair the black new-ish looking pickup truck that was damaged. Reach out to Patrick to coordinate, or if you don't have him, ping ALBB and we will connect you.

- DONATED the staff can put him on FaceTime so he can get to communicate especially when no one can be there.

-DONATED AirPods. Markus has all the music he loves stored in the Cloud and can recover it and the staff can set him up.

-A laptop for his grandmother to utilize while she is at the hospital (all the vehicles were also destroyed in the fire). (ALBB thinks a fresh laptop is best, but if you have a potential refurbished laying around).

-DONATED An unlocked iPhone. Grandmother's was lost in the fire and it will also enable her to FaceTime with Markus.

If you have any of these items or can please share to your page and community pages.

ALBB thinks a car or two would be good!! And more technology.

And a house. How can they get a house?

Beacon Firefighters Describe How They Attacked The Fire At 9 Alice Street; Community Responds With Support; Donation Directions

Eugene (Gene) Murphy, who died in the fire at his home of 9 Alice Street, Beacon, NY.

The Beacon Fire Department issued a Press Release describing how they attacked the fire at 9 Alice Street to battle it. ALBB reported on this fire the day after here.

Of the 4 people inside during the fast moving blaze, one was not able to escape. He was identified as 81 year old Eugene (Gene) Murphy, who lived a long life within the City of Beacon, worked for the City of Beacon for 30 years, and served in part as its Highway Department Supervisor. The community of Beacon have been deeply mourning and sharing memories of him on each publishing of this news at any social media post, blog post or newspaper post.

Beacon City School Superintendent Matthew Landahl emailed district families to say that Gene’s great-grandson, Markus Louis (10th grade) lived in the home with Gene, along with Markus’ grandmother (Gene’s daughter), who suffered burns, Patrick O’Dell reported, who is a friend and “Dutchess County Scanner Feed” moderator.

Gene Murphy's 54 year old son who is described as "severely physically handicapped" was also inside, but did escape the blaze without any serious injuries, Patrick said. He also reported that Gene’s 42 year old grandson was living with him to assist family members in the home, but was not in the house during the fire.

The family lost all of their possessions, including their home and car. Markus suffered serious burns all over his body, and remains in the hospital at Westchester Medical, his cousin, Patricia Murphy, confirmed to ALBB. She said that Markus is in critical but stable condition.

Donation Link

A donation link has been started for the family by Patrick, which has so far raised over $50,000. The GoFundMe page is here. Patrick stated that getting the funds from GoFundMe can be slow at first for immediate needs like clothing and hygiene items. Gift Cards dropped to the Beacon Public Library front desk during their open hours. More details on what items of clothing are needed have been posted below. Scroll down for sizes.

How The Firefighters Fought The Blaze

All of the following photos are screenshots from the video made by Ed Heegan, a Peer Support Specialist with Guardian Revival, whose office is located in the Veterans Memorial Building on Main Street. Guardian Revival is a local non-profit improving health & wellness for Military, Veterans & First Responders. Follow Ed at @edwoodstock.

Photo Credit: Ed Heegan

According to the Fire Department’s Press Release, fire was billowing from the front of the house when the Beacon Fire Department arrived. Three vehicles in front of the home were also on fire. Patrick O'Dell said that at least one of those vehicles was the family's main mode of transportation. It was completely destroyed.

At that point, a second alarm was requested for backup mutual aid. Castle Point Fire Department, (Engine Truck), the Village of Fishkill Fire Department (Ladder Truck) headed in. As is protocol to a fire alarm, the Beacon Volunteer Ambulance Corps (BVAC), the City of Beacon Medic 1 (Ambulnz, the private ambulance company the City contracts and pays, unlike volunteer based BVAC who didn't get paid for years), and the City of Beacon Police Department were in pursuit of the fire.

While fighting the fire, 4 City of Beacon Fire Department members and 2 Castle Point Fire Department members sustained minor injuries.
— City of Beacon Fire Department

"City of Beacon Engines 33-15 and 33-16 arrived simultaneously and began a transitional attack," the Press Release says. "The deck gun from Engine 33-16 was used to knock down the fire on the front of the house while firefighters stretched an attack line to a door on the porch of the #4 (northeast) side of the structure. Firefighters gained entry into that side door and were met with heavy fire conditions inside."

Photo Credit: Ed Heegan

From the pictures, the right side of the house was not completely charred, but the left side was. "While fighting the fire, 4 City of Beacon Fire Department members and 2 Castle Point Fire Department members sustained minor injuries," according to the Press Release.

Beacon's City Administrator Chris White was on-site the morning after the fire at around 8:15am, and the Press Release states that the City of Beacon Building Department condemned the house at 9 Alice Street. The neighboring house at 15 Alice Street sustained some damage from heat radiating from 9 Alice Street.

Photo Credit: Ed Heegan

During their first search for victims, firefighters did not see anyone on the first floor of the house when they began knocking down the fire. They moved to the second floor to knock down more fire. It was when the Beacon Fire Department and Castle Point Fire Department headed back to the first floor to ventilate it, that they found a deceased person in the living room, who would become known to be Eugene (Gene) Murphy. They covered him with a blanket and tarp while "conducting an overhaul and extinguishing hot spots throughout the structure."

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. The Dutchess County Fire Investigation Division and City of Beacon Police are investigating with "the assistance of the Fire Department personnel."

Clothing Needed For the Family

Patrick has been coordinating financial, clothing and hygiene donations.

“Unfortunately, due to physical disabilities, what can be worn by 2 of the family members is pretty limited. I do not want to see so many wonderful & caring people tear through all their clothing for things that cannot be used,” Patrick instructed.

“The GoFundMe is great, but their policies hold the funds from going to the family for several days. Thank you to everyone in advance and for all that has been done. The family cannot thank and show the appreciation of everyone enough.”

The clothing list is below. Please keep in mind that people who have lost everything are in shock. They need casual clothes, but also want to feel good. Lots of underwear and socks would be needed, as doing laundry is hard. Consider giving Visa gift cards of cash to be spent anywhere if you are able. If donating your own clothes, please wash them first.

“They are working on getting everyone into temporary emergency housing hopefully that will happen soon,” Patrick said.

CLOTHING MATCHING WHAT CAN BE UTILIZED LISTED BELOW, GENERAL PERSONAL HYGIENE PRODUCTS & GIFT CARDS*** FOR THE MURPHY FAMILY CAN BE DROPPED OFF AT THE:

Howland Public Library
313 Main Street
Beacon, NY 12508

Drop during business hours: until 5:30pm today (Friday), 10:00am-4:00pm tomorrow (Saturday) CLOSED Sunday for the holiday. And then the open hours for the following days.

Gift card/Financial can be brought to the front desk. Any are appreciated!
Ocean State Job Lot, Wal-Mart are the best because they have everything. Any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact Patrick.

Men's:
-X-Large Pants sweat/jogging
--Large Shirt

Women’s:
***---WOMEN'S size 10 or equivalent undergarments and everyday clothing
****----WOMEN'S size 10 sneakers

Men's:
--Medium athletic type shorts NO jean shorts
--Large Shirt t-shirt/sweatshirt
---Medium underwear
---Men's size 10-WIDE sneakers

Men:
-36x32 Jeans
--X-Large T-shirt/sweatshirt
---Large underwear
----Men's size 11 workboot

***Socks, normal hygiene products (soap, shampoo, towels, wash cloths, laundry detergent), etc. to help get through

Beacon's Mayor Issues A State Of Emergency and Extends Burn Ban Until Further Notice

The day after Halloween, which in Beacon means the air is filled with the comforting smell of a warm fire from driveway or backyard fire pits, Mayor Lee Kyriacou issued a burn ban to protect dry yards and the area from catching fire due to the dry and windy conditions. New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar issued a Drought Watch for downstate New York, as wildfires burn around the region.

The City's robo-system contacted subscribers saying: "Due to the extended dry weather and high risk of fire, the Mayor has issued an executive order, effective November 1st, banning all outdoor fires, including campfires. For more information and a copy of the executive order, please visit beaconny.gov. The order will be in effect until November 6th, at which time it may be extended, if necessary. Thank you for your cooperation."

On November 8th, the City of Beacon published a Proclamation issuing an Emergency Order under the November 1st 2024 State of Emergency, explaining the reason for the order. The Mayor stated: "I declared a State of Emergency in the City of Beacon due to extreme drought conditions, wind and an areawide increase of wildfires which threaten the public health, safety and welfare of our citizens and private property."

On November 8th, the City sated in that Proclamation that the Executive Order will remain in effect until it expires, is rescinded or further extended. After the initial Emergency Order was issued, the City announced that the order would be evaluated and extended: “The City of Beacon is extending the ban on all outdoor burning until further notice. The Emergency Order has been reissued and will be renewed every 5 days as required until the risk of fire decreases.”

The City of Beacon also published an Air Quality advisory chart, which stated that on Sunday, November 10th, the air quality in the Lower Hudson Valley region was ranked “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups,” which includes a warning of “fine particles” in the air. Anyone riding their bike may have noticed floating ash or other particles that were not bugs flying into their mouths.

People with asthma or people in general may want to consider wearing a mask when the air quality level is low and includes fine particles from burning ash.

Fires Rage In And Around The Hudson Valley During Warm Fall - Smoke In Air In Beacon

"Mommy, it smells like smoke outside. Is someone burning something in their yard?"

"No sweetie, parts of the Hudson Valley forests are burning."

On November 1st, City of Beacon Mayor Lee Kyriacou declared a State of Emergency in the City of Beacon "due to extreme drought conditions, wind, and an areawide increase of wildfires which threaten the public health, safety and welfare of our citizens and private property." At the same time, he issued an Emergency Order banning all exterior open burning until November 6th. As of November 8th, the ban was re-issued until further notice.

This burn ban was the day after Halloween in Beacon, where fire pits are lit for driveway gatherings as trick-or-treators make the rounds

On November 2nd, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar issued a Drought Watch for downstate New York, and published on the DEC.ny.gov website: "Recent unseasonably warm weather and lack of precipitation have led to dry conditions for many counties in New York, resulting in some downstate areas being put under drought watch. Local water restrictions and educating residents about how to help conserve our water resources are crucial steps to help prevent a more severe shortage until conditions improve."

On Saturday, November 9th, the Putnam County Sheriff's Office announced a forest fire had been going on since 3:30am in the area surrounding the North End of Indian Lake. They said that multiple Fire Departments responded to the scene, including: Putnam Valley Volunteer Fire Department, Cold Spring Fire Company No. 1, North Highlands Engine Company # 1, Kent Fire Department, Mahopac Falls Vol. Fire Department, Continental Village Vol. Fire Department, along with Buchanan, Montrose and Verplank Fire Departments from Westchester.

Also on Saturday, fire crews were battling a 2,000 acres forest fire in New Jersey in Passaic County, which then spread to Orange County, PIX11 reported. An 18 year old New York forest ranger died while fighting that fire. Dariel Vasquez was fighting the fire in Greenwood Lake when a tree fell on him MidHudson News reported.

On Sunday, November 10th, the Ulster Sheriff's Office announced that firefighters were battling a forest fire in the Whitehouse Forest: "Our agency is assisting state and local agencies including several volunteer fire departments from Ulster, Sullivan and Delaware counties in the Town of Denning with a large forest fire in the Whitehouse Forest between the Rondout and Ashokan Reservoirs. Please limit travel in the area as there are road closures."

The Times Union reported that the Town of Denning fire is approximately 422 acres, Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger said, based on a flyover estimate. “Some 185 firefighters from 20 agencies from Sullivan, Ulster and Delaware Counties have been involved in fire suppression efforts. The incident is being managed through the unified command system by Ulster County Department of Emergency Services, Sullivan County Division of Public Safety, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, and the Grahamsville Fire Department,” the Times Union reported.

This area is in New York City's watershed, which "contains reservoirs that feed into New York City's water supply system," News12 reported. NYC Water issued a statement via X (formerly Twitter): "DEP & New York State Police helicopters are conducting aerial firefighting operations to assist local fire departments battling the Whitehouse forest fire ranging across 384 acres of mountainous NYC watershed between Rondout & Ashokan reservoirs in western Ulster County in the Catskills."

According to the New York Times, hundreds of forest fires have been reported in New Jersey since October 20th. Also this weekend, a brush fire in a "heavily wooded section" of Brooklyn's Prospect Park burned 2 acres, where 100 firefighters responded to contain it, the New York Times reported.

The Beacon Community Created A Donation Page For Trina and Amila After Colonial Springs Fire

A donation fund has been created for Trina and Amila, owners of Tara Fusion Cuisine , who suffered great loss in the fire at Colonial Springs Building 3. They lost everything, and now must find a new apartment, and have encountered security deposits, broker fees, not to mention all of the furniture, clothing, cookware, art tools, decorations they once had.

Trina has returned to work as chef, but it’s day by day as she processes what happened. Your cheer brings her cheer, so give her a hug or blow her a kiss 😘 You may see Amila behind the counter when he’s not at his job too!

ALBB’s article is on the blog now. Readers have inquired how they can help. Tara Fusion’s food neighbor, Moreish New York in the Hudson Valley Food Hall has organized a donation page for them, should you feel inclined to help. Her food family is rallying behind them, a most of their family is in Sri Lanka (Trina) and Bangladesh (Amila). Here’s the URL:

https://www.spotfund.com/story/32133708-1df1-469a-8809-8e91cc00411b

PS: We are in touch with Captain Jesseyna from Salvation Army Beacon about her efforts for collection and coordination for the building. Will update as we learn more.

The Colonial Springs Fire, As Told Through Trina of Tara Fusion Cuisine's Eyes and Experience

Trina Mazumder, owner and head chef of Tara Fusion Cuisine from the Hudson Valley Food Hall, was at her apartment in Building 3 at Colonial Springs along the Hudson River, when the ceiling went up in flames as the fire spread across the attics in the apartment complex. The fire spread across multiple attics, and has displaced everyone in the building, which some estimate to be 30 people.

Trina took ALBB on a walk-through the dead apartment; the floor still soggy with fire water from two days before; and the ceiling and walls gone in places where they fell through or were hacked through to contain the blaze.

Trina’s neighbor’s apartment. The ceiling is gone, as the fire raced along the attic. This apartment is roped off as a scene of evidence collection.

Trina was talking to her dad on the phone when she started to smell smoke. Her husband Buddika Amila PG was at his work. She kept her dad on the phone as she checked for the source of the smell. The stove looked fine, closets had nothing going on. Then she saw smoke coming in from under her front door. She opened the door to find smoke in the hallway. She knocked on the door of her neighbor across the hall, but they were sleeping. Somehow later, she was able to rouse them to get them out of the building as she called 911. Her neighbor also had two dogs and a cat. One of the dogs would not survive, Trina told ALBB.

Meanwhile, according to reports, the Newburgh Fire Department could see the smoke rising from her building across the river. The Newburgh Fire Department called the Beacon Fire Department, who was at the scene 3 minutes later, according to Midhudson News.

Trina and Amila’s bedroom, where the fire fighters crashed through the window to control the fire, which came from the attic.

Reluctantly, Trina went outside as Beacon Police arrived. She didn’t take anything with her, which she regretted, as everything would get destroyed inside. She was in a haze as she filmed the smoke. She fretted about everything inside. Their passports. Her art papers. Her tools to burn intricate designs into wood. Their wedding clothes from their December union. The numerous bed-sheets and dresses her mom hand-embroidered from Sri Lanka.

Multiple fire departments responded to the fire. Newburgh City, Village of Fishkill and Castle Point Departments responded under Mutual Aid. Glenham and Rombout Fire Departments responded to the scene with the third alarm sounded, along with Coldenham as the FAST Team (Firefighter Assist Search Team).

Trina pointing to her former bedroom window, where firefighters crashed through it to contain the blaze.

Trina told ALBB that she knew it was over when firefighters crashed the glass in her bedroom window, clearing everything to control the fire. She said she can’t forget the glass crashing out. She keeps seeing it replay in her mind.

The fire was found in the attic space above four apartments, and spread quickly, said Beacon Fire Chief Thomas Lucchesi. The Chief reached out to Captain Jesseyna Wiand of Beacon’s Salvation Army, requesting assistance to house the residents immediately displaced from their apartment units. Beacon’s Salvation Army church has a gym inside that they rent out to groups and individuals, and other spaces. “The Fire Chief called me to ask if it would be possible to use our building as a base for the Red Cross,” Captain Jesseyna told ALBB. “I knew I had the space and said absolutely. I met them at the church and begun clearing rooms. I canceled our senior program and basketball for the week.”

According to Captain Jesseyna, “There are 8 units that will not be able to go back home until around a year! A few others were affected by water/smoke/ or holes put in walls/ceilings to ensure the fire was completely out. The other units in that section cannot go home quite yet because water/gas/electric has been shut off. The Salvation Army provided shelter for those with no where to go and acted as a base where people could come to receive services and ask questions.”

The Red Cross assisted by taking information from the residents to provide small immediate financial assistance, and recommendations for therapists for the trauma incurred. Trina and Amila received $640.

Captain Jesseyna expanded to ALBB: “The Red Cross was able to provide some limited funding to those who lost everything. Their intake is finished, and now comes the long haul part. The residents effected have agreed to have their information shared with partner agencies, so in the coming days, I’ll be receiving information for all of those effected. From there we can determine what sort of help is needed and then how we can help.”

Captain Jesseyna has also been on the receiving end of those looking to donate clothing and other things. “Community members have begun reaching out to see how they could help so that is helpful! I know some lost everything and have nothing but the clothes on their backs. Eventually, I’d like to set up a receiving station for people to drop off new or cleaned, gently used clothes for people to go through. Once I am able to get in contact with those affected, I’ll be better suited to ask for the best help.”

Trina and Amila lost all of their clothes, and did purchase sweatsuits at Walmart. They also lost all four of their wedding outfits, and their crowns, which in their Hindu faith, deems the crowns unusable in a house fire. The white crowns are in the second photo below. Finding rent, new security deposits, and broker fees for their new apartment search has been challenging. Not to mention the furniture they no longer have. They did not have renters insurance.

“I feel like invisible,” Trina told ALBB. “I can’t eat anything or I can’t even move my body.” While not physically injured, Trina was emotionally impacted by the devastation and what she saw.

With gentle nudging and support from those around her, Trina has returned to work at Tara Fusion Cuisine in the Hudson Valley Food Hall for unknown hours. Her eyes still light up at the challenge of feeding someone Sri Lankan / Bangladeshi food for the first time. If she’s there, give her a hug and place a big order. With patience for her to complete.

3/24/2024 Update: A donation page has been set up for Trina and Amila. Donate here >

Eviction Timeline Uncertain at 925 Wolcott Ave, As is Tenant's Possible Work/Trade/Board Agreement With Landlord When Served With Eviction

Evictions look different than this house debris at 925 Wolcott. An eviction of a person, group of people or family looks like all of their stuff outside on the sidewalk. Their vacuum cleaner, washer and dryer maybe, boxes of stuffed animals and clothes. Sometimes these items are soggy and wet after days of sitting outside in the rain.

Soggy stuff on the front lawn and sidewalk is what it looked like when a recent Beacon elementary school student’s family was evicted days before the holidays. Their things were outside for the entire community to see.

The day before their eviction, the student’s playmates asked them at the end of the school day: “Can you play tomorrow?” The student answered: “I don’t know. My mom says that we are moving tomorrow if we can’t find a new place today.” The students accepted the answer at face value, while the parents who heard the student’s answer doubted the precise nature of it. Perhaps the student was parroting an exasperated claim by their parents. Wishfull thinking.

The next day, the student’s family’s things were indeed on the sidewalk, looking like this house debris in the picture above, but in the reverse. The house was in tact, but their stuff looked like debris.

Note: To answer a reader’s question: This story is an example of what an eviction can look like. It is not illustrating the burning of this house by a former tenant on the day of his own eviction hearing. The rest of that story is below.

Note: To answer a reader’s question: it is unknown if the owner of the student’s house and the owner of 925 Wolcott Avenue are the same owner. This story is to illustrate an eviction, and what that looks like from an owner’s house perspective that is standing with their tenant’s personal possessions outside, and an owner’s house that has been destroyed by the tenant that the owner is seeking eviction on.

The Intended Eviction of Brian P. Atkinson

The picture above is a reverse eviction. The tenant of 925 Wolcott Avenue, Brian P. Atkinson, was arrested for arson after setting the house he lived at on fire the day he was due in court for an eviction hearing. This fire endangered many people, required multiple fire departments to control, destroyed one property, and damaged two other properties.

Several locals familiar with the situation said that he turned himself in, which was later confirmed by the City of Beacon Police in an article. The building’s owner, Yeshia Berger, who also owns the multi-unit house across the street at 916 Wolcott Avenue, told A Little Beacon Blog that Brian was caught on camera, removing the camera shortly before the house caught fire. The fire was so hot it almost melted a firetruck and did damage two neighboring houses. A gasoline-sniffing dog was used to investigate the debris. The flames were so so high, they could be seen across the Hudson River in Newburgh.

Brian, it was later learned after the first media reports came out about the fire, was due in Beacon City Court that Tuesday for his eviction hearing. The newspaper, The Highlands Current, had called the Beacon City Courts to acquire information and learned of his court date. When the building owner spoke with A Little Beacon Blog, he stated that the person who set the house on fire was a prior tenant was not living there anymore.

People familiar with Brian’s living habits, including neighbors who could see the property, confirmed that Brian had been on the property during the day and night right up until the fire, collecting trash and maintaining the property. A light would be on at night, indicating he was living inside. Locals say he was a skilled carpenter, and had been “hired” recently by the building owner.

Locals and the Police Report say that the house was under construction, and had been stripped to the studs inside. However, the Police Report says that the house was unoccupied. According to neighbors and locals, Brian was known to be living there. And in fact, may have experienced the power shut off on that Monday.

Midhudson News reported that renovations had begun on the house, but were stopped by the City of Beacon. A Little Beacon Blog has filed a FOIL to gain access to the permit for construction, and the City of Beacon’s stop-work notice, if either exist.

Neighbors have confirmed that construction work had begun on the house to fix the front porch. The City of Beacon’s Building Department nor City Administrator have not responded to questions on this matter. Perhaps they will divulge during a public City Council Meeting.

According to information obtained by The Highlands Current, Brian had been served with an eviction hearing on December 21, 2022, citing unpaid rent. His hearing was set for Tuesday, January 3, 2023. Some locals indicated that he was in agreement with the building owner to provide services for the house in trade for living there. It is not clear then, how soon after he completed his last task, that an eviction notice was given to him.

The Torching of 925 Wolcott Avenue As Metaphor For Housing Crisis

While torching anything is wrong and not justified, the igniting of 925 Wolcott Avenue has come to represent a literal expressing of “burn it all down” when people reach the end of what they see as a broken system.

This fire has lit up the Beacon community to use this situation as illustrative of the housing crisis Beacon is experiencing - and has been experiencing since its settlement, as different people move in over the decades. But now, is hitting different classes and races, so different voices are speaking out.

Questions that arise include:

  • Why are people’s names not included on property companies, making it hard to find the people who own a building?

  • Does the City of Beacon regularly inspect the interior of rental units to make sure they are safe and humane? Movement is being made on short term rentals for Airbnb, but what about long term rentals? The long-term rental market is a quieter market who usually fears the landlord and does not make complaints. Unlike Airbnb, where there is a public platform for renters to write reviews about their rental units, and owners can write reviews about renters.

  • The City of Beacon may have stopped work on outside construction because it did not conform to laws, but were the people living inside OK this day, and years prior?

  • How far do people want local and state government to go, because there is already overreach? How is this all to work? With so many already existing laws that leave some people invisible?

Eviction Hearing and Tenants Rights

After much protest and arguments by residents of the City of Beacon in 2021, the City did enter into an agreement with Legal Services of the Hudson Valley to assist people facing eviction. Most people might not know about it, if they missed a single news report about it.

The information for how to use the tool designed for tenets rights is buried in the City’s website in a blog post dated March 2022 (as opposed to being front and center on the City’s home page, since losing one’s home is such a traumatic event).

You can find those legal assistance services here, which includes a direct phone line for Beacon residents. People are encouraged to call, even if they fear their landlord and assume they don’t have much time to find a new place.

It is unknown if any of the tenants of 925 Wolcott Avenue who were told to leave their boarding rooms by the landlord prior to the fire pursued legal help. The benefits of Legal Services of the Hudson Valley include attempting to connect someone with rent arrears assistance. However, some tenant/landlord agreements or leases are verbal or do not meet the standards of what a rent arrears assistance program requires, so some people do not even try to get this help.

If a new building owner wants everyone out, there are ways to do this, including:

  • Paying people to help them move.

  • Giving them time to move once notice is given.

  • Helping them find a new location.

Buying property is tricky. Once new financing is in place, often rent has to go up to sustain it, and repairs need to be done to the property. Math. Additionally, tact.

Arrested Arson Suspect of 925 Wolcott Avenue Fire Was Scheduled For Eviction Hearing Day Of Fire

The house at 925 Wolcott Avenue once known as “The Gate House,” and known for being a boarding house, has been demolished after being allegedly set on fire by previous tenant.

As first reported by the Highlands Current, 56 year old Brian P. Atkinson, who has been arrested for arson for the fire of the boarding home at 925 Wolcott Avenue on Tuesday, January 3, 2023, was due in Beacon City Court that same day for an eviction hearing, as stated in court records obtained by the Highlands Current. The fire destroyed the house and caused heat damage to two neighboring houses. 925 Wolcott has since been demolished, one day after the fire.

The newspaper reported: “According to court records, Atkinson was scheduled to be in City Court on Tuesday for eviction proceedings which had been filed against him for non-payment of rent on Dec. 21 by the building’s landlord.” It is not clear yet for how long the non-payment of rent is being disputed.

As told to A Little Beacon Blog by the building’s current owner, who stated that he purchased the building 6 months ago, there was no one living in the building at the time of the fire, including Brian.

According to the Beacon Police in a press release, the building was “unoccupied as it was currently under construction.” The Beacon Police also said Brian was “undomiciled.”

According to reporting by Mid Hudson News, construction on the house had been stopped by the City of Beacon. ALBB awaits comment from the City of Beacon’s Building Inspector Bruce Flower or City Administrator Chris White on that reporting.

Beacon Police Department Confirms Arson In 925 Wolcott Ave. Fire After Dutchess County Investigation Division Investigates

After sunset on the day that 925 Wolcott was allegedly set fire before sunrise, the Beacon Police Department released arrest details of the suspect in a press release issued by Detective Sergeant Jason Johnson #315 at approximately 5pm on January 3, 2023. The press release reads as follows:

On 1/3/2023 at approximately 06:25am, the City of Beacon Police along with City of Beacon Fire Department responded to 925 Wolcott Avenue for a fully engulfed fire. The building was determined to be unoccupied as it was currently under construction. Two nearby residences sustained exterior heat damage. The Dutchess County Fire Investigation Division was contacted and also responded. An investigation revealed that the fire was in fact arson and previous tenant Brian P. Atkinson was subsequently arrested. Atkinson is 56 years old and currently undomciciled. He was charged with the following:

  • Arson 3rd (1 count) Class C Felony

  • Reckless Endangerment 1st (2 counts) Class D Felony

  • Criminal Mischief 2nd (2 counts) Class D Felony

The defendant was processed and he is currently awaiting to be arraigned in Beacon City Court.

The press release did not mention if the suspect had turned himself in, as stated by other reports and the building owner. The Beacon Police Department did not respond to ALBB’s request for that confirmation as of this publishing.

“Undomiciled,” according to Urban Dictionary, means: “Housing challenged. The politically correct way of saying one is homeless. props to dforce for this one.”

Additionally, Beacon’s Building Department or City Administrator did not respond to ALBB’s request for confirmation if the construction had indeed stopped prior to the fire per the City of Beacon’s issuance, as reported in the Mid Hudson News. If ALBB learns more from the building owner, this article will be updated.

ALBB previously reported on this story here.

Raging Fire Destroys Multi-Unit House Under Renovation In Alleged Arson (925 Wolcott Avenue)

Photos Posted by the Beacon Fire department. See all of them here.

At 6:35am, flames and smoke at 925 Wolcott Avenue could be seen above roofs of neighboring houses.

On the morning of Tuesday, January 3, 2023, between 6am and 6:30am according to neighboring residents who called 911, the house at 925 Wolcott Avenue known to longtime Beaconites as “The Guest House” because it was a group home, was engulfed in a raging fire, which destroyed all 3 floors. According to Zillow, the house had 9 bedrooms and 9 bathrooms.

According to those at the scene, there was no one living inside of the house at the time of the fire. The house had been purchased 6 months ago, according to the new owner, and was under renovation.

First responders could not yet confirm that there were no injuries, but they indicated that no one had been inside to need assistance. By 9:30am, once the fire was contained and smoke remained, fire fighters began searching the rubble to make sure no one was inside, as they searched for “hot spots” to continue to put out. Also at that time, Beacon’s City Administrator Chris White could be seen exiting the scene.

Flames at 925 Wolcott Avenue in Beacon could be seen high above trees and houses from Newburgh in the early morning before sunrise.
Photo Credit: Mid Hudson News, Anastasis Amanatides

At 6:35am, flames and smoke could be seen above roofs of neighboring houses. According to one resident who called 911 at approximately 6:35am, other people had also called in to report the fire. According to that resident, no sirens were immediately heard approaching, even though they may have arrived at the building already.

UPDATE 1/6/2023: Other readers did recall hearing sirens. It was a multi-agency event, so several first responders from different communities were there.

The fire was so hot at 925 Wolcott Avenue, it peeled the vinyl off the neighboring house.

In Beacon, during slow periods on the road, or in quiet hours, emergency response units have been known to flash their lights but not their sirens, perhaps out of noise consideration.

According to first responders at the scene, they arrived at 6:30am to fight the fire. Several fire departments assisted as mutual aid, including Rombout, Fishkill, Glenham, and others. Those at the scene said the blaze was so hot, that it almost melted a fire truck.

UPDATE 1/6/2023: Other readers did recall hearing sirens. It was a multi-agency event, so several first responders from different communities were there.

UPDATE 1/6/2023: As reported by the Highlands Current, first responders included: firefighters from the Village of Fishkill, Castle Point and Glenham. Both of Beacon’s ambulance services, Ambulnz and Beacon Volunteer Ambulance, assisted. the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office and MTA police also assisted. Rombout and Chelsea firefighters provided standby coverage in the city. The fire is being investigated by the Beacon Police, the Dutchess Sheriff’s Office and the Dutchess Fire Investigation Division.

The fire’s heat did peel vinyl siding off the neighboring house, and those residents were vacated from their home while the fire was put out near their home with water. Central Hudson poles on the sidewalk near the house were also burned.

Central Hudson was also on the scene to find the gas line under the ground to shut it off to prevent any gas leak. They began digging using a private contractor trained in such excavation.

Beacon City School District Administrative building is nearby, as is Sargent Elementary School. Containment of the blaze was ongoing during the morning arrival of students via bus, car and those who walk. Sargent Elementary PTO issued an update via Instagram to those transporting to expect delays, and that the drop off circle was not in use, but that the school was not physically impacted by the fire.

According to Mid Hudson News, the 3rd floor of the house collapsed. Experts on the scene predicted the entire building would need to be demolished.

Alleged Cause Of The Fire

According to those at the scene, arson was suspected by fire fighters, who called in the Dutchess County Fire Investigation Division, who reportedly prefers to not use the word “arson” in their title anymore. Their truck is labeled Dutchess County Emergency Response Field Support Unit. A black dog trained to sniff for gasoline was seen exploring the scene.

Inside, the house had been stripped to the studs. According the building’s owner who spoke to A Little Beacon Blog, the suspect had turned himself in for setting the fire. According to the owner, the suspect could be seen removing a security camera before allegedly pouring gasoline throughout the house. The owner said the suspect had been a tenant in the boarding house prior, but did not live there now. ALBB reached out to Beacon Police Chief Sands Frost and City Administrator Chris White for confirmation and/or comment, and has not yet received a response.

UPDATE 1/6/2023: The Highlands Current reported in the print version of their article published after the online version was published: “Police said he walked to the department and turned himself in immediately after starting the fire. He is in custody at the Dutchess County jail in Poughkeepsie and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing at 10 a.m. in Beacon today (Jan. 6).”

According to Beacon City Court when ALBB followed up, that preliminary hearing got adjourned and postponed to the following week, the date still to be released.

UPDATE 1/3/2023 5pm: The Beacon Police Department issued a Press Release confirming arson. Read it here.

According to reporting by Mid-Hudson News: “The property had recently been sold and construction was being performed at the property until the project was shut down by city officials.” A Little Beacon Blog has reached out to Beacon’s Building Department Inspector Bruce Flower and the City Administrator Chris White for comment and has not yet received a response.

As the building’s owner looked at the wreckage, he reflected to ALBB that it was a landmark. When asked if he had plans to designate it historic, he answered that he did not. As for any historic designation, ALBB reached out to Beacon’s City Planner John Clark, who said: “So sorry to hear about the fire. This building, although old enough, is not included in the City's Historic District and Landmark Overlay Zone and, as far as I know, not on the National Register of Historic Places. It was also not on a list of residential buildings considered last year for the HDLO, which concentrated on properties closer to Main Street.”

Longtime residents of Beacon remember 925 Wolcott Avenue as a boarding house for men. Old pictures show the condition of the inside of the house, including notes residents wrote to each other, as well as architectural details.

NOTES FROM THE KITCHEN

Tenants of the house had left each other common area notes, according to old photos on Zillow. These say: “Please THINK! ALL of us here must share common “stuff” such as toilets, showers, sinks, one stove. Be kind and clean up any messes you make” The note was signed with a smiley face.

Another note says, in all caps, indicating importance: “Unused stove burners not be considered.The back left burner is used less often. It needs to be covered up when you cook. This reduces fat and grease buildup.”

The third note instructs in green marker: “Please don’t touch any of the heaters.”

It is not known when the last time the building was inspected while people lived inside of it, before it was purchased and gutted.

Tips can be sent to the Beacon Police Department and to A Little Beacon Blog.

Fire On Breakneck Ridge - Cars and Brush Fire - 9D Closed Between Beacon and Cold Spring

UPDATE 3/10/2020: Route 9D is open; the fire has been contained but may still be burning.

The text came in from a train commuter at 8:29 pm: “The fires by Cold Spring were crazy today. There were at least 9 cars totally burned up.” This blogger had just left the City Council Workshop meeting in order to switch gears into another work assignment, and then drove to a high point in Beacon in order to see the orange glow at Breakneck still blazing at 9:30 pm. The Highlands Current reported that Route 9D had closed between Beacon and Cold Spring.

The Fishkill Police Department confirmed that the cars were destroyed, as first reported by WRRV and the department’s own Facebook page. We do know some information from other reports coming online this evening: The Dutchess Junction Fire Department was dispatched to a brush fire at 8 Hartsook Lane, according to an article at Mid Hudson News. The Rombout and Glenham Fire Departments were called to assist in fighting that fire. Fire departments from Eastern Orange County were called out to help battle the Breakneck Ridge brush fire, according to the article. The Fishkill Police Department was one of several agencies to respond and make updates. The Fishkill Police department reported that all hikers came down safely from the mountain.

The City of Beacon’s Fire Department was not called to assist in these fires, as they were fighting two other small fires near the train tracks in Beacon at the same time, according to Beacon’s Fire Chief, Gary Van Voorhis. We may have more information about those fires on Tuesday, so refresh this article if you’re looking for updates.

According to the Mid Hudson News article, several other brush fires have ignited during the day. This could be for a range of reasons, but know this: A burn ban is going into effect for the State of New York, which prohibits some open burning of trash, painted wood, leaves, and other items. Read all about it here.