A significant brush fire erupted late Saturday night near the entrance to Plum Point Park in the Town of New Windsor, leading to the temporary closure of a bridge and the park itself. The fire, which occurred on or under the bridge along Route 9W, prompted a swift response from the Vails Gate Fire Department and other first responders.

Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus issued a statement on Sunday expressing gratitude to the first responders who successfully extinguished the fire. Neuhaus, along with members of his team—including Public Works Commissioner Erik Denega and County Attorney Rick Golden—joined New Windsor Supervisor Steve Bedetti and Deputy Supervisor Steve Moreau to inspect the damage early Sunday.

"The bridge and park are currently closed until a structural engineer can assess the bridge's safety," Neuhaus stated. "The fire is suspected to have been started by arson, and we are asking anyone with information to contact the Town of New Windsor Police Department."

The bridge, originally replaced in the early 1970s when the property was owned by Windsor Building Supply Co., was used to transport gravel from Plum Point to various construction sites. The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.

For more information or to report any details related to the incident, residents are encouraged to contact the New Windsor Police Department at (845) 565-7000.