Rochester Police have opened an arson investigation into the massive five-alarm fire that tore through the Pallet Express pallet manufacturing facility on Lyell Avenue on June 7, city officials confirmed this week.
Investigation contradicts earlier electrical theory
Authorities initially considered multiple causes as they combed the charred remains of the wooden-structure business. While some early reporting suggested the blaze might have been electrical in origin, Rochester Police say their preliminary findings "do not support this theory" and that investigators are now pursuing an arson probe. The investigation remains open.
The fire had immediate community impacts: smoke forced evacuations of nearby homes and more than 400 RG&E customers lost power during the incident, officials said. In the days after the blaze, hot spots continued to smolder along the edges of the property as fire crews and property representatives assessed structural damage.
"One of the important things they need to know is that when you do an arson, you put our community in danger. A lot of people had to be evacuated from their homes because of the smoke,"
The comment came from a resident or community source at the time of initial reporting and speaks to broader concerns about public safety and the storage of flammable materials near populated areas.
City moves to limit risks at related property
In a separate but related action, the City of Rochester filed a petition in Monroe County Supreme Court asking that another Pallet Express warehouse on Buffalo Road be vacated. City officials say that location poses a fire and safety risk and that removing occupants is necessary to prevent a repeat of the Lyell Avenue incident.
The owner of the Lyell Avenue facility described the financial impact of the fire as significant; earlier reporting by News10NBC noted the owner estimated the damage in the multi-millions. Investigative reporting from the station also documented concerns from business owners about materials stored next to the warehouse before the June fire.
- Event: Five-alarm fire at Pallet Express, Lyell Avenue — June 7
- Power impact: More than 400 RG&E customers without power
- Legal action: City petition to vacate Buffalo Road warehouse
- Investigation status: Police now investigating as arson; probe ongoing
Timeline
| Date | Action / Development |
|---|---|
| June 7 | Five-alarm fire at Pallet Express on Lyell Avenue; mass response by Rochester fire units |
| Days after June 7 | Hot spots remained along property; ongoing assessment of damage |
| Aug. 11 | City files petition in Monroe County Supreme Court to vacate Pallet Express warehouse on Buffalo Road |
| Aug. (current) | Rochester Police label Lyell Avenue fire an arson; investigation remains open |
Rochester's actions reflect heightened scrutiny over industrial storage practices and building safety after the blaze. City leaders and investigators are weighing whether regulatory or enforcement steps are needed to reduce fire risks posed by warehousing and material storage in industrial corridors that border residential neighborhoods.
For residents and business owners on and near Lyell Avenue, the arson designation raises questions about accountability and future oversight. The vacatur petition for the Buffalo Road site underscores municipal concerns that similar facilities could pose ongoing hazards if not brought into compliance or cleared of occupants.
Rochester Police have not released further details about suspects, motives or evidence as the probe continues. Officials have asked anyone with information about the June 7 fire to come forward to aid investigators. WE NEWS will continue to track developments in the investigation and any court action related to the city's petition.
