June 19th, 2025
On April 29th, 2025, a massive fire destroyed a vacant Fownes Factory. The fire broke out at the long-abandoned Fownes Glove factory, located at 102 South Main Street in downtown Gloversville, New York. The four-story structure, unoccupied for nearly 30 years, rapidly became engulfed in flames around 7 p.m., illuminating the city skyline with thick smoke and intense flames.
As the fire grew, the building started to collapse. The Gloversville Fire Department reported that the fire spread to four nearby structures. While the factory took the majority of the destruction, two neighboring buildings sustained varying stages of damage. Adirondack Exotics, a nearby pet shop, suffered considerable losses due to interior and stock damage. The Fulton County Regional SPCA briefly evacuated dogs from the shelter, and a nearby car dealership may have also suffered vehicle damage.
Rescuers were able to control the fire by approximately 10:20 p.m., however, strong winds and flying embers continued to pose a threat, sparking other fires on neighboring rooftops. One nearby building caught fire and sustained extensive damage, and officials believe it must be torn down. By the next day, only the skeletal remains of the once-prominent factory stood. After the investigation, police arrested and charged a 17-year-old Gloversville resident with arson and several felonies for igniting the fire that destroyed the historic glove factory and several surrounding buildings.
Risk Logic can assist business owners with vacant buildings by conducting site assessments, recommending fire alarms that are linked to the fire department, and ensuring that utilities are properly shut off. Having vacant buildings attracts trespassers, arson, and accidents; routine inspections and physical safeguards are therefore necessary. Please contact us for more information.
