A New Paltz fire has claimed the lives of five local animals, a business and several apartments.

The Daily Freeman reports the fire was nearly within sight of a New Paltz firehouse where a meeting was underway. Firefighters began fighting the fire just after 9pm Monday but by the time they got on site, the building was fully engulfed. The fire was under control by 10:30 but unfortunately 5 dogs perished in the fire.

Owner Sylvia Zuniga was returning from vacation and arrived to her property as firemen were leaving the scene. She reportedly learned of the fire as her flight from South America had just landed. The investigation stalled as the residents of the building did not speak English.

This is the second recent fire at the address. In March of 2004, a fire that was later determined to be electrical displaced 8 people.

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