On the evening of November 10, 2025, the Rifton Fire Department was dispatched to reports of a fully involved structure fire on State Route 213 in Rifton.

Upon arrival, Chief Peterson confirmed a working fire with the structure fully engulfed in flames. A rapid and aggressive strategy was implemented to contain the blaze and protect surrounding areas. Initial assessments confirmed that the structure was unoccupied, and no injuries were reported among civilians or first responders.

Due to the severity and rapid spread of the fire, RFD requested and received extensive mutual aid from neighboring departments. The collaborative effort was instrumental in bringing the incident under control. Assisting agencies included:

Tillson Volunteer Fire Department

Rosendale Fire Department

High Falls Fire Department

Esopus Fire Department

New Paltz Fire Department

Stone Ridge Fire Department

Kingston Fire Department (including their FAST team)

Saint Remy Fire Department

Bloomington Fire Department

Town of Esopus Volunteer Ambulance Squad

Rt 213 between Carney Rd and Old Post Rd was closed for six hours while crews worked to tame the blaze. Through the swift and coordinated efforts of all personnel on scene, the fire was contained and the scene secured. 

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the appropriate authorities.