The fallout from a massive warehouse fire in Gorham continues, as state officials now warn of potential environmental and public health risks tied to the blaze.
Advisory in effect for Flint Creek
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), in coordination with the Department of Health (DOH), issued a recreational use advisory for Flint Creek on Tuesday, September 3. The order came after reports of several hundred small, dead fish were discovered in the waterway.
The advisory directs the public to avoid all contact with Flint Creek downstream of Dewey Avenue to the Canandaigua Outlet. This includes fishing, consuming fish, boating, and swimming until further notice.
DEC officials said field teams are monitoring water quality and assessing aquatic impacts. At this time, there is no indication of any effect on public drinking water supplies. Residents are urged to report unusual fish or wildlife sightings to DEC at 800-457-7362.
Fire and emergency response
The fire broke out on August 30 around 5:20 p.m. at the ECO Operations facility on Dewey Avenue. The building stored expired, ethanol-based hand sanitizer, which fueled the fire. Explosions were reported as flaming barrels shot into the air.
Crews from Ontario and Yates counties, along with Homeland Security and the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office, responded. Deputies blocked off surrounding roads, and a shelter-in-place order was issued due to heavy smoke.
No injuries were reported. Officials confirmed the warehouse was empty at the time, and the structure will be demolished. Crews remained on scene through the weekend to manage flare-ups and hazardous conditions.
Residents say warnings were ignored
Public records show town officials and emergency crews flagged the site for fire hazards and code violations in May and June. Neighbors said they raised concerns for months, worried about the risk posed by the large stockpile of flammable sanitizer.
Many now say their fears have been realized, with environmental damage to Flint Creek adding to their concerns about personal safety.
Calls for accountability
Assemblyman Jeff Gallahan (R-Manchester) called the fire “entirely preventable” and urged a state investigation.
“The warehouse was filled with highly flammable expired hand sanitizer, and the owner repeatedly ignored both town codes and state laws,” Gallahan said. “This reckless and irresponsible behavior has now led to a fire that threatened lives, property, and the environment. I am immediately referring this matter to the New York State Attorney General’s Office for investigation.”
Gallahan also noted allegations that Eco Operations LLC and its owner, Eduard Zaydman, had previously attempted to illegally dump waste from the site.
Local response and next steps
Gorham Town Supervisor Dale Stell thanked emergency responders and pledged full cooperation with state and county officials. “We are fortunate to have so much support from our surrounding communities,” Stell said.
Town leaders say they will continue to coordinate with DEC, the New York State Fire Marshal, and the Sheriff’s Office as investigations move forward.
DEC and DOH emphasized that public health remains the top priority as monitoring and cleanup continue. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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