The Catskill Fire Company was called to the county transfer station on Route 385 at approximately 6 p.m. on Thursday, August 20, due to an automatic heat alarm. Car 2 was informed that smoke was visible on security cameras inside the building while it was responding.

Catskill was elevated to a potentially functional fire, and all personnel were called upon. At first, tankers were requested to standby in Athens, Leeds, and West Athens. The tankers were asked to react and stage on Route 385 as more information became available. Earlton was asked to do FAST team activities, while Hudson was asked for labor. Tankers were later added to Coxsackie and Greenport as workers assessed the extent of the fire's spread through the debris. Additional calls were covered by Kiskatom.

A working fire was found inside a roughly 60-by-80-foot metal commercial building. Leeds Tanker arrived first after being released from another call. Two Catskill engines arrived shortly afterward, and firefighters stretched a 2½-inch handline into the building.

Firefighters began knocking down visible fire, and two overhead doors were opened to improve ventilation. Two additional smaller lines were also deployed to wet down burning material as excavators removed trash from the building.

The early activation of the heat detection system helped limit damage to the structure. Fire officials reported that damage to the building was limited to several overhead lights located about 30 feet above the fire area.

Catskill Fire Company responded with two engines, the tower and all three chief officers. Car 3 established command, Car 2 handled operations, and Car 1 worked as interior operations.

The fire company noted that the facility has experienced numerous fires over the past 25 years. Officials said improperly discarded hot materials have been a recurring concern, along with lithium-ion batteries in recent years.

Fire officials are reminding residents to dispose of batteries properly and to contact their local solid waste department with questions about safe disposal.

Officials also thanked the sheriff's office, Catskill Ambulance, county solid waste personnel, mutual-aid departments and Catskill's fire police for their assistance at the incident.