Senior living complex fire late Saturday caused by smoking, officials said

ORANGEBURG, N.Y, (WABC) -- The cause of a fire that led to the evacuation of a senior living facility in Rockland County is smoking.

The fire started around 11 p.m. Saturday, damaging about 10 units in the Cortwood Village Senior Housing Complex. The building, Building B in the complex, was evacuated. The fire quickly spread through the roof of the building causing damage to at least eight units.

"It was a nightmare. I never saw something like this in my life," said resident Helene Chodakowsky. "I was standing on the corner. A firefighter came running by quick. I said, 'stop. stop. I can't see. I can't walk.' ... He grabbed me. He said, 'hold onto me.' He brought me to the other side."

One part of the complex in Orangeburg was left in charred ruins.

"I have no clothes. I have nothing. I have my daughter-in-law's sneakers. They're a size too big," said Mary Gesner, another resident.

Officials will have to evaluate the extensive roof damage. Nearby buildings were evacuated just to be safe. "I noticed the flames just going up through the building ... I was out there until 2:30 this morning when they finally let us back," said a resident in one of the neighboring buildings.

The fire remains under investigation. Seven fire departments responded including Town of Orangetown Police.

"I heard the sirens," said resident Harry Hernandez. "They knocked on my door and knocked it open, and brought me outside."

No one was injured, and the Red Cross was on the scene assisting those who were displaced.

One resident said the first thing she saw when she ran out of her apartment were the hedges outside on fire. She said it quickly spread from there taking so much with it.

"79-years-old. you shouldn't be going through this," she said.