A large fire destroyed a barn and warehouse in Penn Yan on Thursday.
A 911 call was made just after 5 p.m. on May 13. Firefighters were quickly on the scene at HK Griffin & Sons on Benham Street, according to Finger Lakes Times. Due to the size of the structure and scope of the fire, nearby fire departments were called to the scene, including Benton, Bellona, Branchport/Keuka Park, Dundee and Himrod. Three ladder trucks were required to fight the flames.
Assistant PY Fire Chief Derek Christensen was the incident commander on site. He said Oaks Corners Fire Department brought a rehab station to provide firefighters with food, water, rest and shade.
Penn Yan Ambulance responded to the scene as well as ambulances from Middlesex, Steuben and Wayne counties. Penn Yan Police Department said one of their officers was treated and released from Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hospital for smoke inhalation.
Video live at the scene from Finger Lakes WFLR:
Griffin & Sons makes animal feeds, bagged ice and other products at its 119 Benham Street facility.
Despite hard work from firefighters, Christensen called the building “a total loss” and said excavation crews were on site Friday morning. No nearby homes were damaged.
Crews were able to clear the scene around 12:30 a.m., though some had to return later to manage hot spots. The fire is under investigation by the Yates County Fire Investigation Team.
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