What to Know
- The distribution center burst into flames in Fishkill, about 75 miles north of New York City, Aug. 29
- Crews from multiple departments battled the blaze for hours before they were able to get it under control
- Authorities have not released details of their investigation beyond saying the fire was intentionally set
The inferno that consumed a 990,000 square-foot Gap distribution center north of New York City last month, destroying an estimated millions in clothing and equipment, was intentionally set, authorities said Tuesday.
State police said the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives determined the origin of the fire was "incendiary." No other details have been released, and the arson remains under active investigation.
No one was injured in the Aug. 29 fire at the large industrial warehouse in Fishkill, one of two facilities on Merritt Boulevard. All 100 employees who were on site at the time got out safely.
The facility opened in 2000 and expanded a year later. The company announced plans in 2014 to add 1,200 jobs over a five-year period and invest $96 million into the distribution center. The facility had more than 425 employees at the time of that announcement.
Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro said "basically anything you buy" under the Gap umbrella online comes from the torched facility. He said the county plans to work with the company to find a possible alternate location.
Anyone who saw anything around the time at the fire is asked to call police.
