Tensions are still high.
Residents in New York, specifically in upstate New York, are grappling with lingering frustrations following destructive fires linked to an HBO miniseries featuring actor Mark Ruffalo. The situation seems to be exacerbated by the failures of those with ample resources to remedy the aftermath, according to recent reports.
The fire at the car dealership where the show “I Know This” was filmed led to the loss of significant village landmarks in Ellenville, with damages estimated around $15 million. This incident also raised concerns about potential exposure to harmful chemicals for local residents.
“It comes down to this. If you hurt people, you’ll take care of them,” stated Wayne Ronstein, an attorney representing two neighboring families who have taken legal action against HBO.
The devastation has left many locals unemployed and severely impacted the homes of two families, including their children.
“Once they started filming, they destroyed everything,” lamented 46-year-old Pablo Ferrada Arias.
“I’ve lost a lot here. Money, time, and my daughter… everything,” he shared, noting that a young girl developed asthma as a result of the fire.
Despite investigations that attributed the cause of the fire to equipment used by HBO, compensation for some victims remains elusive.
In early 2019, HBO set up a mid-century modern styled building showcasing 1990s car dealerships, featuring various props, including Chevrolet Camaros and Corvettes. A small fire ignited inside the dealership shortly after 1 a.m. on May 9, 2019, following a long day of shooting.
The fire rapidly spread to an adjacent mechanic’s shop, where a 55-gallon oil drum likely triggered a massive explosion, officials reported.
“Every window in that place was blown away, turning it into a hellish scene,” recalled Ellenville fire chief George Budd, who was first on the scene.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but the intense fire raged for 12 hours, ultimately causing extensive property damage.
Investigators later concluded that an electrical fire was sparked by faulty equipment belonging to the HBO crew.
The incident has sparked anger within the local community, directing much of the blame towards HBO, which had received a $20 million state tax incentive for the production.
“The profits from this film mean little to a company like HBO,” remarked former state senator Jen Metzger. “What truly matters is the impact on people’s lives.”
A spill report from New York in early 2020 indicated contamination in the area, with burnt car parts and oil tanks posing risks. A storm caused fire debris, possibly containing toxic materials, to slide down a hill into a resident’s yard.
“It’s very challenging for a small community to endure this kind of trauma,” noted Stephen Kelly, CEO of Ellenville Regional Hospital. “That pile of debris lingered for nearly a year.”
Others who suffered damages in the fire have yet to receive compensation.
According to reports, HBO denies liability, attributing the fire to a malfunctioning battery and “third-party negligence.” The company emphasized its commitment to respecting local communities worldwide and labeled the incident an unexpected accident.
Moreover, HBO reportedly transferred the responsibility of cleaning up the substantial fire debris to the car dealership owners.
Earlier this year, HBO and its insurers settled with some affected parties, including the owners of 613 Automotive Group. The only remaining lawsuit involves two neighboring families.
In the meantime, Ruffalo has recently won an Emmy for his performance as twin brothers in a drama based on Wally Lamb’s work. As of now, neither Ruffalo nor HBO officials have responded to requests for comments.
