New York Firehouse a 'Total Loss' after Blaze

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Spencerport, N.Y.-- Several fire departments from neighboring towns worked to help Spencerport firefighters put out a major blaze at their own firehouse early Friday morning.

Spencerport Fire Chief Chris Wood said it appears the town's main firehouse is "a total loss."

Someone next door noticed smoke coming out of the building's meeting room around 3:30 a.m. Since it is a volunteer force, no one was staying in the building when fire broke out.

Ironically, the Spencerport force couldn't fight the fire because their gear was inside and they had to rely on other departments.

"It's a devastating loss for the firemen," Wood said. "Some of them feel very helpless because their gear is all inside and they can't work when they're not protected. It's been pretty trying on our members this far."

Fortunately, they were able get the fire trucks out in time. Wood said that, at about $700,000 each, the trucks are worth more than the firehouse. However, it's unknown whether any of the 80 sets of gear can be salvaged.

He and other officials are also reassuring residents that there are two other fire departments in the area and they are working on a plan to cover any emergencies.

"The community shouldn't worry, we're here 365 days a year," Wood said.

Republished with permission of WHAM-TV.

Monetary donations can be sent to the Spencerport Fire District, P.O. Box 359, Spencerport, NY 14559.

For information on donating equipment or other items, contact the fire district at 585-352-5066.