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The cause of a large fire at the USA gas station on Route 50 in Ballston Spa has been identified as a gasoline spill. The fire broke out last Friday (June 6) and was quickly extinguished by firefighters, preventing any serious injuries, although several people sustained minor injuries.
According to the Saratoga County Office of Emergency Management's Cause and Origin Team, the gasoline was inadvertently released onto the ground and subsequently ignited. The Saratoga County Sheriff's Office is assisting in the investigation, which is ongoing. Flames were visible from the pumps when firefighters arrived, but they managed to control the blaze swiftly.
WNYT reported that the fire caused significant damage to several gas pumps and vehicles at the station. Despite the damage, the community expressed relief that no one was seriously hurt.
Erin Ozbay, one of the gas station owners, mentioned that the station had recently passed inspections by the Department of Environmental Conservation, which checked all pumps, tanks, and sumps.
CBS6 Albany noted that Route 67, Route 50, and Ballston Avenue were closed during the fire but have since reopened. The fire department's rapid response helped prevent further damage.
The gas station, a family-run business since 1997, is a beloved part of the community. Daniel Levine, a local business owner, described it as a "special gas station" and expressed gratitude for the fire department's efforts.
The investigation into the fire continues, with authorities seeking to determine the precise circumstances that led to the gasoline spill and subsequent ignition.