On Wednesday a home at 8760 State Route 53 in the town of Wheeler was engulfed in flames, resulting in extensive fire and smoke damage. At 10:13 a.m., the Bath Volunteer Fire Department was alerted to the incident by a passerby who noticed smoke emanating from the house. The witness was unsure if the house was occupied at the time and reported smoke on both floors.
Bath Assistant Chief Brady Hill arrived first on the scene, confirming light smoke and immediately requested a second alarm assignment. This call to action prompted mutual aid from Bath VA fire, Prattsburgh, Avoca, Kanona, Hammondsport, Savona, Pulteney, and the Bath Volunteer Ambulance Corps. Additional standby support was provided by the departments responding to the Bath fire. Hill also requested assistance from New York State Electric and Gas to disconnect the power, as well as the Steuben Fire Investigation Team.
No residents were present during the fire; however, one of the family’s dogs tragically perished in the blaze. A second dog was rescued and resuscitated using a Pet Rescue Mask, a device designed to administer oxygen to pets, which had been donated to the department. The surviving dog was taken to a veterinarian, but its current condition is unknown.
Upon entering the home, firefighters discovered a fierce fire in the kitchen that had spread to the second floor. The prompt response of the first interior crews prevented further damage to the house. Assistant Chief Hill estimated that less than 1,500 gallons of water were used to control the fire. The Steuben Chapter of the American Red Cross has been called in to assist the affected family.
The fire’s origin appears to be in the kitchen area, but the precise cause is still being investigated by the Steuben County Fire Investigation Team.
Photos from the scene posted by the Bath Fire Department:
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