A fire erupted Tuesday evening at a residence on Falkey Road in Phelps, engulfing the structure and prompting a major response from multiple fire departments across Ontario County.
The blaze at 1878 Falkey Road, reported around 5:30 p.m., left the residence fully ablaze by the time Ontario County Sheriff’s deputies arrived at the scene. Jaclyn Merkle, 40, the home’s resident, managed to escape unharmed as firefighters from a dozen local departments worked to contain the fire.
Firefighters from Phelps, Oaks Corners, Clifton Springs, Newark, Fairville, Geneva, East Palmyra, Junius, Port Gibson, Hopewell, Manchester, Northside, and Seneca Castle battled the flames. Their swift action prevented the fire from spreading further, though the home itself sustained severe damage.
The Ontario County Fire Coordinator’s Office is investigating the fire’s cause. The Red Cross has provided Merkle with temporary housing as officials work to determine the fire’s origin.
No injuries were reported.
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