Firefighter hurt, major damage noted in blaze
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A firefighter sustained non-life-threatening injuries in fighting Wednesday's blaze at the former White Village restaurant.
The fire caused an estimated $350,000 in damage to the structure and $100,000 in damage to its contents, according to a Thursday morning press release from Fredonia Fire Chief Joshua Myers. He said units from both his department and the Dunkirk Fire Department responded to the initial alarm at 12:17 p.m. Wednesday.
"Upon arrival, units found heavy fire conditions on the first floor of the structure, with fire spreading to the second floor," Myers stated.
Fredonia's fire chief added, "The size and layout of the building, combined with high heat conditions and the personnel available at the time of dispatch, made this a significant and labor-intensive operation. Fredonia Fire Department requested mutual aid from eight fire departments, along with Chautauqua County EMS, Alstar EMS, and County Fire Police Team, to bring sufficient personnel and apparatus to the scene and maintain coverage for the rest of the village and town (of Pomfret)."
Numerous law enforcement agencies were also on scene, Myers added.
Firefighters remained for more than four hours before the fire was brought under control and extinguished, Myers said.
"One firefighter sustained an injury on scene and subsequently sought treatment at a local emergency room on their own," he said. "Injuries are non-life-threatening."
Fredonia Fire Department’s initial response was staffed by 4th Platoon, under the direction of Lt. Tim Fisher, with three on-duty career personnel. Two additional career personnel responded to assist. Four Fredonia volunteer members responded to the scene, while a fifth volunteer remained at the station, covering four additional calls for service with assistance of mutual aid backfills while the fire was underway.
"Per standing auto-aid agreement, the City of Dunkirk Fire Department also responded with the initial alarm to this structure fire," Myers said.
At his request, the Chautauqua County Fire Investigation Team responded to the scene to begin determining the cause and origin of the fire. Further details will be released as the investigation progresses.