Fire claims Martin Street duplex

Oct. 25--WELLSVILLE -- Two families lost their homes and countless possessions Wednesday afternoon when a fire erupted at 47 Martin Street in the Village of Wellsville.

Fire crews were dispatched around 2 p.m., responding to find a structure fire at the two-story duplex. Ryan Sheridan has been staying with one of the families who called 47 Martin home. Sheridan and the family dog were the only ones home when the fire broke out.

"I was like what is that smell? I walked downstairs and it was a little smokey but I could still see," Sheridan told The Spectator. "I said I've got to find out where that's coming from. I walked outside and there was a bunch of people out there. They said you've got a fire!"

Sheridan then went back into the home with another community member to make sure no one else was inside.

"I didn't think there was anybody in the house, but we kicked (the neighboring apartment) open anyways and it just started pouring out with smoke" he said. "We screamed in there and there was no response."

Sheridan was staying with a young couple that resided at the duplex with two children. The neighboring duplex housed a mother and three teenaged children. The families were being assisted by the Red Cross and the Salvation Army Wednesday evening.

The fire was the first major blaze in the village since a May 23 incident nearby at the corner of North Main and Grover streets.

"It wasn't as tough as the North Main Street fire, but it was another tough one," said Wellsville Fire Chief Bill Cavanaugh. "The left side of the house is pretty much gutted, destroyed. The right side has smoke and water damage."

That May incident eventually resulted in the home being demolished. Cavanaugh said he wouldn't be surprised if the Martin Street structure faces the same fate. Fire crews didn't have to cut into the roof, but the home suffered significant damage.

"Once it gets into the roof rafters, it's tough," Cavanaugh said. "That's their call once the insurance people get in and have a look."

Initial reports indicated the fire started in the kitchen, with the investigation focusing on the stove area.

In addition to a full complement of Wellsville equipment, Alfred Station and the Andover air truck also responded to the scene. Scio stood by at headquarters. An ambulance from Bolivar complemented two ambulances from Wellsville.

"It was a good effort by all," Cavanaugh said. "We appreciate the mutual aid."

All units were back in service before 5 p.m.

Additional photos of the response will be posted at www.wellsvilledaily.com

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