A 14-year-old now faces arson charges after a massive fire destroyed a historic mill in New York. The fire broke out at Victory Mill, a well-known landmark in the village of Victory Mills. Shortly after reports of smoke and flames, emergency crews rushed to the scene.
According to the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office, deputies quickly identified the teenager as the suspect. Furthermore, CBS 6 Albany and WNYT confirmed that the case will proceed in family court. Sheriff Michael Zurlo shared these details during a press briefing.
Victory Mill carries deep historical significance. Originally built in 1846, the mill operated for over 150 years before closing in 2000. Despite its closure, the structure remained a symbol of the village’s heritage. Additionally, the building appears on the National Register of Historic Places.
When firefighters arrived, the flames had already engulfed most of the structure. As a result, multiple fire departments joined the effort to control the blaze. Authorities also closed nearby roads to protect the public and clear access for emergency vehicles.
Meanwhile, live footage from WNYT showed a massive smoke column rising from the building. Reporter Zach Richter noted that the smoke was visible from two miles away. He described the mill as a magical and towering presence, often referred to by residents as “the Hogwarts of the neighborhood.”
In response to the fire’s intensity, Fire Chief Ryan Campbell outlined their defensive strategy. Since no one was reported inside the building, crews avoided entering the dangerous structure. Instead, they focused on containing the fire from the outside.
Moreover, eyewitnesses shared vivid accounts of the scene. One witness saw embers flying in all directions and felt the heat from a distance. They also heard parts of the mill collapse as the fire raged on.
Eventually, by the evening, fire crews managed to bring the blaze under control. Following that, investigators from Saratoga County Cause and Origin arrived to determine what caused the fire.
Currently, the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office continues to lead the investigation. Although officials have not released an official cause, the search for answers remains ongoing.
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