YONKERS, N.Y. — A chemical fire at the European Beauty Concepts warehouse Tuesday afternoon led to a hazmat situation, evacuations, and train service disruptions in the area. The fire broke out shortly after noon at the facility, located at 134 Woodworth Avenue, and escalated to a three-alarm fire, officials said.
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Firefighters believe a forklift moving products around the tightly packed warehouse damaged a container holding strong household chemicals used for hair and nail treatments. The spill released toxic vapors and created a chemical reaction that intensified into a fire.
Police initially advised residents to shelter in place while they checked the surrounding neighborhood. Seven homes on Lamartine Avenue were evacuated, though no buildings were damaged. Two people with pre-existing medical conditions were escorted from the area, and one firefighter suffered minor injuries.
Smoke drifting across nearby train tracks temporarily disrupted Amtrak Northeast Empire service and Metro-North Hudson Line trains. Yonkers Police and MTA police monitored air quality near the trains. Metro-North service has since resumed, while Amtrak service remains temporarily suspended.
Fire Commissioner William Fitzpatrick said the blaze was under control by late afternoon. Wind helped carry much of the smoke toward the Hudson River, reducing its impact on nearby buildings.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause, but officials believe the incident stemmed from the forklift mishap that damaged the chemical containers at European Beauty Concepts.