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‘OVID WILL RETURN’: Dozens of organizations step up as community charts path forward

The fire that ravaged downtown Ovid left a trail of destruction that won’t soon be forgotten—or easily cleaned up. As the smoldering rubble of essential businesses cools, the community begins its work to chart a path forward. However, even on Wednesday as damage was still being assessed signs were present around the community that hope had not been lost.

The blaze, which began at approximately 5:48 p.m. in an apartment above the Ovid Big M grocery store at 7174 North Main Street, quickly spread despite the efforts of multiple fire departments. Crews from Ovid, Interlaken, Lodi, and Romulus responded within minutes, but the fire intensified, prompting Ovid Fire Chief Timothy Westlake, Sr. to issue two county-wide all-calls for assistance. In total, more than 30 tankers and six aerial trucks were deployed.

Frozen temperatures, icy roads, and water supply issues complicated the fight. At one point, power was cut to nearby locations, causing the Ovid water tower to lose functionality. As the fire spread to neighboring buildings, firefighters worked for hours to contain the blaze, ultimately using excavators to gain better access.

The fire leveled several buildings dating back to the mid-19th century, including Ovid Big M, Uptown Diner, Eva’s Laundromat, Italian Kitchen, and the STEPS Project office. The destruction displaced 15 to 20 residents, including children, and left 60 people unemployed. A sixth building, at 2147 West Seneca Street, sustained exterior damage but was not destroyed.


“It’s an unimaginable loss for our community,” Westlake said. “The support we’ve received from neighboring towns has been incredible, and we’re grateful for everyone’s help as we begin to recover.”

Community organizations and businesses have stepped up to aid the victims and first responders. Donations of food, beverages, and supplies are pouring in, with specific drop-off locations established in Seneca County and beyond. Warming and charging stations have been set up at local libraries and churches.

Taken late-Wednesday afternoon.
Captured during the morning hours on Wednesday.
Credit: Rachel Burkholder
Credit: Rachel Burkholder
The moment the front face of the building began falling.
Firefighters shortly after being called to the scene.
Firefighters begin battling blaze.
Before the fire had the chance to spread further.
Minutes after the fire was called in at 5:45.

Monetary donation options are being coordinated through the United Way of Seneca County, with details expected to be announced in the coming days. Fundraisers, including a “Dining for Dollars” event at Cedarwood Venue in Trumansburg, are already underway.

Residents affected by the fire can access resources such as clothing, food, toiletries, and furniture through local organizations like the Ovid Federated Church, Seneca County House of Concern, and Kinney Drugs, which is offering medication assistance for those displaced.

Finger Lakes Partners (Billboard)

The Ovid Fire Department has announced specific times for food and supply donations, which can be dropped off Thursday between 10 a.m. and noon or 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Food assistance for displaced residents will also be available during these hours.

For the small town of Ovid, the road to recovery will be long, but the overwhelming community support provides a silver lining amid the tragedy.

COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS STEPPING UP

Fundraisers

  • Cedarwood Venue, Trumansburg: Dining for Dollars event, Thursday 1/22, 5 PM – 9 PM; proceeds from wing sales benefit Ovid.

Warming/Charging/Snack Centers

  • Interlaken Public Library
  • Lodi Whittier Library
  • Seneca County House of Concern, Waterloo: 10 AM – 4 PM.
  • Seneca Community Church, Romulus
  • Seneca Falls Police Department
  • Hart Towing & Service LLC, Waterloo: Mon-Fri 9 AM – 5 PM, Sat 9 AM – 12 PM.
  • Kuneytown Sportsman Club: Wed 1/22 and Thurs 1/23, 4:30 PM – 7 PM.
  • Violet Wednesday Bakery, Finger Lakes Mall Food Court, Auburn: Wed-Sun 9 AM – 7 PM; drop a donation for a free cup of coffee.
  • Ashia’s Closet, Seneca Falls: Sat 10 AM – 3 PM; clothing donations only.
  • Sugar Mama’s Cookies & Confections, Seneca Falls: Thurs & Fri 9 AM – 5:30 PM, Sun 9 AM – 2 PM; free coffee with donations.
  • Ovid VFW
  • Waterloo Library and Historical Society
  • Ithaca Church (609 W. Clinton Street)
  • VanGalder Family Farm, Alpine, NY: Thurs 9 AM – 3 PM, Fri-Sun 9 AM – 6 PM.
  • Wally’s Ford, Seneca Falls (2027 Rt 20): Mon-Fri 9 AM – 6 PM, Sat 8 AM – 4 PM.
  • Edith B. Ford Library (Reopening date/times TBD)
  • Cedarwood Venue, Trumansburg
  • Cato Fire Department (2569 E. Main St., Cato, NY 13033): Call (315) 626-2660 to arrange.

Donation Drop-Off Locations

  • Seneca County House of Concern, Waterloo: 10 AM – 4 PM.
  • VanGalder Family Farm, Alpine, NY: Thurs 9 AM – 3 PM, Fri-Sun 9 AM – 6 PM.

Resources Available

  • Ovid Thrift Store: Clothing and available items.
  • Ashia’s Closet: Clothing, Sat 10 AM – 3 PM.
  • Family Hope Center: Diapers and baby supplies; call/text for Ovid pick-up Thurs 1/22, 10 AM – 2 PM (315) 789-0708.
  • Seneca County House of Concern: Food, clothing, and household items.
  • Ovid Federated Church: Clothing and food.
  • Big D Auctions & Estate Service: Clothing and household items, call (315) 521-1999.
  • Seneca County Health Department: N-95 masks, dental kits, safety information at Community Bank (Ovid), Lodi Library, and Interlaken Library.
  • Kinney Drugs: Medication assistance for displaced individuals.
  • People’s Baptist Church, Newfield, NY (364 Main St.): 2nd Tues 4 PM – 7 PM, 3rd Sat 8 AM – 12 PM.

Special Donations

  • A-Verdi Storage Units: Donating two 8’x20′ units to Seneca Falls Police Department and Seneca County Sheriff’s Office by Thurs, 1/23; for clothing, household items, toiletries, and furniture only (no food).
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