CITY OF NEWBURGH – Newburgh is eyeing space at the Goodwill Fire Department’s new building as a temporary home for the engine and personnel of its West End firehouse, which was vacated over the weekend after the discovery asbestos-containing debris.

A contractor hired in response to mold and air-quality concerns at the firehouse, located at 492 Broadway, found asbestos in the building’s first-floor kitchen, a stairwell and a second-floor bathroom

Three to four firefighters were usually stationed at the firehouse, along with an engine truck. They were to work out of the main firehouse on Grand Street while the city undertakes more testing and determines the scope of the needed abatement, Assistant Fire Chief Bill Horton said on Friday.

On Monday Newburgh City Manager Michael Ciaravino told the City Council that Goodwill’s new firehouse is being eyed as an option.

“We are discussing the possibility of temporarily inhabiting that building so as to enable us to still provide fire service from the west end in a more timely fashion for the community,” he said. “We’re also exploring the possibility of being able to cook our meals there (and) also mobilizing temporary housing trailers there.”