Gap, workers will need help after massive fire

Considering the massive size of the blaze, the community should be extremely grateful no one was injured or killed at The Gap Distribution Center in Fishkill Monday night.

Firefighters did exceptional work to suppress the blaze, and employees were able to make it out safely. The Gap has people working during all sorts of shifts, so a fire breaking out at night could have had far more devastating consequences than for some businesses. Flames shot out of the building, and sections of the facade and roof caved as the blaze raged. Journal staffers reported that the heat from the flames could be felt from the access road leading to the facility.

The actual damage and cause are still being assessed, but there still is plenty of cause for concern. The fire caused millions of dollars in property and product damage, and The Gap is a major employer in the area, so the community will have to wait with great interest to see what the extent of the economic consequences might be. The center has multiple buildings, but the entire site has been shut down as result of the blaze.

Dutchess County officials rightly pointed out the priority will be to assist displaced employees and then get an assessment from company leaders regarding when part of the operation can get up and running.

State and federal officials also have a role here, and it's imperative they work in concert with the company to provide workers with assistance and get the facility back in business in the area. First, though, fire officials have to deem the area safe and complete their initial investigation. State police ask anyone who may have information regarding the fire to call 845-677-7300.

The facility opened in September 2000 and has expanded over time. Most recently, company officials were investing $96 million to upgrade the distribution center and add 1,200 jobs over the next few years.
These manufacturing jobs are an important component to the local economy. Economic-development officials provided the company with tax credits tied to how many jobs are created and retained over a period of time and may have to recalibrate these deals and also consider what might be best in the short term to provide help. That is just a sliver of the financial matters that will have to be sorted through as a consequence of this blaze.

For now, the community should give thanks to the firefighters who toiled on the scene and recognize the efforts being made to help the displaced workers and their families.

This fire will cause pain and hardship, but the worst part is over – and, through good work and fortune, it came with no loss of life.