SOMERS- Firefighters from Putnam and Northern Westchester spent several hours battling a suspicious fire that damaged a room inside the massive former IBM facility on Route 100 in Somers.

The blaze was reported around 10:30 a.m.  Somers Fire Department was dispatched to the vacant building after citizens reported seeing smoke coming from the facility.   

Crews found no visible fire or smoke from the outside of the building; however, once firefighters entered, they were greeted by a heavy concentration of smoke.

Since the building is massive containing difficult interior conditions and a limited nearby water supply, officials summoned mutual aid from surrounding agencies including the Mahopac, Mahopac Falls and Putnam Valley departments from Putnam in addition to units from Croton Falls, Goldens Bridge, Mohegan Lake, Yorktown, Katonah, Millwood and Bedford.

Firefighters found a room and its contents ablaze which was extinguished.

No injuries were reported.

Following the fire, State Police warned the public to refrain from breaking into abandoned buildings. 

Troop K Public Information Officer Trooper Krystal Paolicelli noted: 

“We have become aware of a growing trend on social media platforms, including TikTok, in which individuals post videos of themselves entering these properties. This activity is not only illegal but also poses significant safety risks.

Entering or remaining in an abandoned structure without permission may result in arrest and criminal charges, including trespass and related offenses.

In addition to the legal consequences, these locations are inherently dangerous. Many abandoned buildings are structurally compromised and may contain hazardous materials, open shafts, exposed wiring, or other unsafe conditions that can result in serious injury or death.”