Investigators have confirmed that the Gorham warehouse fire that triggered an environmental advisory involved a massive stockpile of expired hand sanitizer and other packaged materials.
Sheriff outlines facility operations
According to Undersheriff Michael Rago, the blaze was reported around 5:20 p.m. on August 30 after a passerby saw flames outside the north side of 4611 Dewey Avenue. Gorham firefighters, Ontario County emergency management, and sheriff’s deputies responded within minutes.
The site housed two companies—Eco Operations and Dewey Ave. Assets LLC—both owned by Eduard Zaydman of New York City. In an application to the town planning board earlier this year, Eco Operations described itself as a “de-packaging facility” that received expired beer and ethanol-based hand sanitizer. Liquids were removed and sent for repurposing, while crushed plastic and aluminum containers were baled and sold.
Authorities said the property, occupied since September 2024, held more than 1,000 pallets of sanitizer in containers ranging from 2-ounce bottles to 330-gallon tanks. Ethyl alcohol, the active ingredient in hand sanitizer, is highly flammable and fueled explosions during the fire.
The Sheriff’s Office said it continues to investigate site operations in coordination with Ontario County Emergency Management, the State Office of Fire Protection and Control, the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), and the U.S. Environmental Protection AgencyGorham Fire – Undersheriff Rago….
Advisory issued for Flint Creek
On September 3, DEC and the Department of Health (DOH) issued a recreational use advisory for Flint Creek after several hundred dead fish were discovered. The advisory covers the entire stretch downstream of Dewey Avenue to the Canandaigua Outlet and directs the public to avoid fishing, eating fish, boating, or swimming until further notice.
DEC said there is no indication of impacts on public drinking water supplies but urged residents to report unusual fish or wildlife sightings to 800-457-7362. Field teams are monitoring water quality and assessing aquatic damage.
Fire and emergency response
The ethanol stockpile made the fire especially volatile. Explosions sent flaming barrels into the air and heavy smoke forced deputies to block off roads and issue a shelter-in-place order. No injuries were reported, and officials confirmed the warehouse was empty. The structure is set to be demolished. Crews from Ontario and Yates counties, along with Homeland Security and federal agencies, remained on scene through the weekend to manage flare-ups.
Residents say warnings were ignored
Records show the site had been flagged earlier this year for code violations and fire hazards. Neighbors said they had raised concerns for months about the flammable materials stored there.
Calls for accountability
Assemblyman Jeff Gallahan (R-Manchester) called the fire “entirely preventable” and said he is referring the matter to the state Attorney General. He also cited allegations that Zaydman had previously attempted to illegally dump waste from the property.
Local response and next steps
Gorham Town Supervisor Dale Stell thanked first responders and said the town will continue working with state and county officials as investigations continue. DEC and DOH emphasized that public health remains the top priority, with updates to follow as monitoring and cleanup progress.
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