A gas explosion is being blamed for a house fire, Monday afternoon, in the City of Newburgh.

City of Newburgh Firefighters responded to 449 First Street after a resident called to report hearing the sound of an explosion.

City Fire units arrived at 4:12 p.m. and found a two-story multi-family house with heavy amounts of smoke coming from the building. Crews immediately checked with the occupants to make sure everyone was out of the structure and began assessing the location of the fire and the structural stability of the building.

A natural gas fed fire was identified in the basement of the structure with fire spread on the two floors above. Fire crews utilized multiple hoses from the exterior to keep the fire spread in check while they awaited Central Hudson Gas and Electric to shut down the natural gas.

Once the gas was shut off fire crews continued extinguishment and cautiously removed occupant’s personal belongings. The City of Newburgh’s Engineering Department responded to the scene to assist the command staff with assessment of the structure’s stability and ensuring crew safety.

The city fire department reported that one occupant and one firefighter received minor injuries and both refused further medical attention. One family’s cat was found deceased and removed from the building.

“My heart goes out to those families that lived in that building,” said City Councilman Anthony Grice at Monday night’s meeting.

The cause of the fire was determined to be a worker/employee of the owner who had cut a natural gas line and left the scene.

Mutual aid to the scene was provided by the Stewart Air National Guard and the West Point Fire Department. The Coldenham and Good Will fire departments responded to fire headquarters for standby. Mobile Life Support, the City Water Department, and the Newburgh Police assisted at the scene.