Montrose fire displaces 8
Published: December 23, 2009
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STAFF PHOTO/STACI WILSON Fire destroyed an apartment building on Chenango St., Montrose, on Dec. 16, leaving eight people without a home.
Fire swept through a Montrose apartment building Wednesday morning leaving eight people without a home.
Smoke billowed from the roof at 35 Chenango St. as firefighters worked to attack flames that shot out an attic window.
United Fire Company Captain Mike Rosin said the building was a total loss and he may have started with a space heater on the second floor of the structure, but a fire marshal was being called in.
The building is believed to have housed four units, but only three had tenants.
A passerby reported the blaze just before 10 a.m.
United Fire Company of Montrose responded to the scene and was assisted by Rush, Springville and Meshoppen fire companies.
United Fire Company of Montrose responded to the scene and was assisted by Rush, Springville and Meshoppen fire companies.
Just before noon, additional fire personnel were requested from Silver Lake and Hallstead fire companies.
Montrose Minutemen and Red Cross volunteers also responded to the scene.
Firefighters remained at the scene until about 2:30 p.m.
Firefighters remained at the scene until about 2:30 p.m.
Becky Naylor, director of the Susquehanna County Chapter of the American Red Cross, said the organization is providing aid to a family of four, a family of three, and a single person. Ages of those displaced ranged from four to 42.
Red Cross is providing the family of four with shelter, food and clothing. The organization also assisted the family with finding housing for two family pets.
“The family lost everything. Nothing is salvageable as far as Christmas presents,” Naylor said.
The family of three planned to stay with relatives, Naylor said.
The Red Cross director was still waiting to meet with one tenant to determine his needs.
It is the second major Susquehanna County house fire in less than two weeks the Red Cross has handled.
On Dec. 6, fire destroyed the William Magdin residence in Rush Twp., displacing five adults and four children.
On Dec. 6, fire destroyed the William Magdin residence in Rush Twp., displacing five adults and four children.
