LIBERTY — Firefighters in Liberty responded to the scene of an active structure fire on Upper Ferndale Road Friday afternoon, March 20.

When they arrived on the scene at around 3 p.m., responders found the two-story building completely engulfed in flames. The building was part of Camp Agudah. According to the Liberty Fire Department, the building was unoccupied.

Liberty Fire Chief Rick Sauer said the building appeared to be a double unit that was jointed together. “It was a complete and total loss of one large building,” said Chief Sauer. “There were mattresses in there, so I'm assuming it was sleeping quarters.”

The building, which orignally dated back to the Ferndale Country Club before the property was bought by Agudath Israel President Mike Tress in 1957, had been used as a guest house for married staff members and their families. It also contained the head counselor's office.

Multiple reports of the fire were made as smoke could be seen rising in the sky from miles away. The cause of the fire has yet to be determined and an investigation is ongoing. Chief Sauer said there were no injuries.

In addition to the Liberty Fire Department, the White Sulphur Springs Fire Department, Swan lake Hose Co. #1 and Loch Sheldrake Fire Co. #1 provided assistance at the scene. The Livingston Manor Fire Department was on standby.