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Chimney fire reported on Cole Road

By Billie Owens

A chimney fire that is possibly extending into the house is reported at 6821 Cole Road. Le Roy Fire Department is responding along with mutual aid from Bergen, Byron and the city's FAST team.

Le Roy ambulance is also responding.

A first responder says the residence is evacuated and there's heavy smoke inside the residence. It's gone to a second alarm.

The location is between Sweetland Road and East Bethany Le Roy Road.

UPDATE 3:46 p.m.: Engines from Stafford and Pavilion called to the scene. Town of Batavia is to fill in for Le Roy. The city's first platoon is called to city fire headquarters.

UPDATE 4:06 p.m.: Caledonia is asked to stand by with Batavia at Le Roy's fire hall. Thermal cameras are deployed at the scene.

UPDATE 4:29 p.m.: City FAST team went back in service at least 15 minutes ago. And Caledonia was released from service as well.

UPDATE 4:33 p.m.: Pavilion is put back in service.

UPDATE 4:37 p.m.: Stafford is back in service.

UPDATE 4:40 p.m.: Bergen is back in service.

Brush fire on Liberty Street under investigation

By Howard B. Owens

While it's too early to say that a series of brush fires next to buildings at 29 Liberty St. in the City of Batavia were deliberately set, said Chief Stefano Napolitano, the fires do deserve closer scrutiny.

City fire and Batavia PD are working together on an investigation.

The property is a long narrow band with a trailer on it -- like a long trailer used at construction sites -- and the fires were several yards apart on the property.

"With fires at multiple locations, it warrants an extremely closer look," Napolitano said.

The investigation will also try to determine if the Liberty Street fires are linked to a dumpster fire at School and Cedar streets earlier today.

Out at the scene this evening, Napolitano was overheard talking with a police officer about the unusual number of brush fires in the area for November. We asked him about it later.

There were fires today in Alabama, Oakfield, Pavilion and Darien.

"I can't speak for other chiefs but in my 35 years (in the fire service), I don't remember a November 20th with this kind of temperature and dry conditions," Napolitano said. "Maybe when I was younger, I didn't notice it, but now I can feel it in my bones."

He said its really not a good time for one last bonfire or to burn things.

He praised the response of his team. The firefighters protected nearby buildings from the fire and got it out quickly.

Previously: Brush fire reported on Liberty Street in the city

Video by Rick Hale.

Brush fire reported on Liberty Street in the city

By Billie Owens

A brush fire is reported next to a "primary care" building at 29 Liberty St. The location is between School and Ellicott streets. City fire is responding.

UPDATE 4:42 p.m.: The fire was next to an abandoned trailer. Fire is out; doing overhaul.

UPDATE 5:37 p.m.: City Fire is back in service.

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Photo by Rick Hale.

Video by Rick Hale.

Large, fast-spreading field fire near a house reported in Darien

By Billie Owens

A large field that is spreading fast, according to a deputy on the scene, is reported at 644 Reynolds Road. It's next to a house.

Darien Fire Department is responding and mutual aid from Corfu is requested.

The first field is at the corner of Reynolds and Fargo roads.

UPDATE 2 p.m.: Command reports the fire is about two acres in size.

UPDATE 2:15 p.m.: UTVs are requested from East Pembroke and Alexander fire departments.

UPDATE 2:36 p.m.: The UTVs were not needed and put back in service. The fire is out.

UPDATE 3:22: Fire responders back in service.

Corn stalk fire reported in Oakfield

By Howard B. Owens

Cornstalks in a field are reportedly on fire behind 39 Farnsworth Ave., Oakfield.

Oakfield fire, which had been assisting with the incident in Alabama, is responding to the field fire.

Mutual aid from Elba requested to the scene.

UPDATE 11:05 a.m. The fire is being driven by the wind toward South Pearl. Responders are looking for best access point. One responder "we can get this."

UPDATE 11:08 a.m.: Elba can go back in service.

UPDATE 11:10 a.m.: Elba requested back to the scene emergency mode. There's a flare-up behind a house. "It's getting out of control on us." 

UPDATE 11:13 a.m.: A brush truck from Town of Batavia requested to the scene. Also, a local farmer is requested to the scene. "We may have to destroy some of his corn."

UPDATE 11:24 a.m.: "A lot of the fire is knocked down in the field."

Fire reported on Knowlesville Road, Alabama

By Howard B. Owens

A fire is reported at 6442 Knowlesville Road, Alabama.

A second alarm was requested then canceled.  

Knowlesville Road is closed to through traffic.

Alabama Fire is on scene.

UPDATE 11:06 a.m.: Fire under control; overhaul in progress.

City fire chief urges residents to be prepared for weather emergencies that can strike without warning

By Press Release

From City of Batavia Fire Department:

Weather emergencies can strike often times without warning and inhibiting our ability to secure basic necessities. Rescue and response agencies will be responding but may not be able to assist immediately depending upon the severity of the event.

As a result, the City of Batavia along with the Department of Public Works, Fire and Police departments would like to remind all City residents to take the necessary precautions and preparedness steps to be ready in the event of an emergency situation.

In the event that there is a loss of power, practice energy conservation to help the power company avoid rolling blackouts.

  • Keep your car’s fuel tank at least half full as gas stations use electricity to operate the fuel pumps.
  • Ensure that you know how to manually release your electric garage door opener.
  • Always use a surge protector to protect your computer and other electronic devices from an energy surge.
  • Avoid opening the refrigerator and freezer doors as food will remain fresh for up to several hours after the power goes off.
  • Lastly, if the power outage is expected to last for several days or more, consider relocating to a shelter or a friend or family member’s home if possible.

In the event that you plan to use a portable generator, be sure that you operate it outside only. Do not operate the generator within the home or garage and do not hook it up directly to your home’s wiring. Instead, connect the equipment and appliances that you wish to power directly to the outlets on the generator.

We also recommend that you have the following items available: Fully charge cell phone with a spare power block, battery-powered radio, flashlight with spare batteries, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, blankets and sleeping bags, personal toiletry and first-aid kits.

Lastly, having a family emergency plan along with an emergency supply kit will assist you in managing many different types of weather-based emergencies.

Additional information on specific types of emergencies can be found on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Red Cross websites as well as on their apps for smart phones.

As always, you can contact the City of Batavia Fire Headquarters for any questions that you may have at (585) 345-6375.

Cornfield fire reported off Creek Road in Bethany

By Billie Owens

A cornfield fire is reported in Bethany at 9561 Creek Road. The location is between Putnam Road and Old Creek Road.

"It's pretty heavy fire," says Bethany Fire Department command.

Alexander fire's UTV is called to the scene along with a tanker. A brush truck and "a lot of hose" will be needed.

Command: "What we've got is a 75-acre swamp -- right now it's burning toward the swamp and headed into the woods. "It's hard to get through ... at the moment."

Elba's brush truck is also en route.

The chief also asks for a brush truck out of Wyoming and a gator out of Le Roy.

UPDATE 1:50 p.m.: Attica Fire Department is asked to stand by.

UPDATE 1:51 p.m.: Town of Batavia's brush truck is called to the scene.

UPDATE 2:11 p.m.: Command reports an area near the fire is covered with about two feet of water. "If we can knock the edges down we'll be OK." 

UPDATE 2:24 p.m.: Command reports south end of blaze is mostly out; working on hot spots. "The only flames I'm seeing are in the middle." Smoke is rising on the northeastern portion, but it remains difficult to access.

UPDATE 2:59 p.m.: Attica is put back in service; the brush trucks are released from the scene. Bethany and a gator will remain there. A drone was deployed and was helpful but its battery died and a fresh one is being retrieved so they can use the drone again.

UPDATE 3:15 p.m.: Command says they are still putting water on the embers about 1,200 feet from the roadway. The drone is powered up and is being put back in action. Elba is called back to the scene.

Three cats, dog perish in house fire on State Street

By Howard B. Owens
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A fire gutted a home at 162 State St., Batavia, this morning, claiming the lives of three cats and a dog.

The residents were not home at the time of the fire, which was reported by multiple callers to emergency dispatch at about 8 a.m. The residents arrived on scene shortly before 11 a.m., Chief Stefano Napolitano said.

An off-duty firefighter, according to the chief, was passing by the residence and spotted the flames. He stopped and was informed a person might still be inside the residence, so he attempted to gain entry to the house and was beaten back by flame and smoke.

Firefighters arrived on scene and quickly knocked down the flames, which had already consumed much of the interior of the house, and made a first and secondary search of the residence and found no people inside.

No firefighters were injured.

The cause and origin of the fire are still under investigation.

Structure fire on State Street in the city

By Billie Owens

A working structure fire is reported at 162 State St. in the city; unknown if occupied. City fire dispatched.

UPDATE 8:08 a.m.: It's gone to a second alarm. Alexander Fire Department's FAST team is called to provide mutual aid, along with Elba. Town of Batavia is called to stand by in their stations. Mercy medics are dispatched to the scene. The location is between North Street and Park Avenue.

UPDATE 8:23 a.m.: Town of Batavia's Engine #24 is called to the scene. Responders are told to approach via Richmond Avenue.

UPDATE 8:25 a.m.: Alexander is unable to secure manpower for its FAST Team; instead they are asked to bring the team assembled to stand by in city fire headquarters. Alexander's Engine #7 is en route. In the meantime, Town of Batavia's Engine #25 is asked to stand by in city fire headquarters.

UPDATE 8:29 a.m.: East Pembroke Fire Department is called to stand by in their quarters for Town of Batavia fire.

UPDATE 8:34 a.m.: Command reports fire is under control. Command asked that the city's Department of Public Works be instructed to shut off water at the road at the fire scene. National Grid is to be notified to turn power off.

UPDATE 8:39 a.m.: Alexander's Engine #7 is at city fire headquarters.

UPDATE 9 a.m.: No one was home when the fire broke out and firefighters have had no contact yet with residents and/or property owners. A cat was brought out alive but it's condition is not known at this time. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

UPDATE 9:16 a.m.: Mutual aid companies are put back in service. Mercy medics left awhile ago. 

Barn fire reported on East Road in Batavia

By Billie Owens

A fully involved barn fire is reported at 4787 East Road in Batavia. It is next to a house. The location is between Putnam and Creek roads. Town of Batavia Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 4:50 p.m.: A first responder on scene confirms it's a working barn fire.

UPDATE 4:54 p.m.: The barn is "on the ground" so command says firefighters will be concentrating their efforts on saving the house, which is about 25 yards away. There is a good-sized propane tank in the vicinity of the barn. East Road will shut down at both ends -- Putnam and Creek roads.

Editor's Note: About 10 updates were lost from this post after a technical glitch occurred. The following is a summary of them.

UPDATE 6:08 p.m.: Bergen fire was called to Town of Batavia's station #2 to fill in, then switched to station #1. Elba was called to the scene. National Grid was called in; no ETA. Command reported the barn blaze was squelched to hot spots and they were working to douse those. Mercy medics on scene were asked to evaluate a firefighter, then called for an ambulance. The ambulance was called to proceed in emergency mode, then a second ambulance was called in. Two firefighters suffered some degree of smoke inhalation. The East Battalion communication channel was released and they are wrapping up operations on East Road.

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Trailer fire reported in Pavilion

By Billie Owens

A trailer fire is reported at 7660 Telephone Road, Pavilion, well off the roadway. A propane tank is near the trailer. Pavilion Fire Department is responding and mutual aid from Le Roy is requested. It started after a pile of leaves was ignited. 

It's east of South Street Road, and west of Asbury Road. It's a working structure fire.

Exterior crews only are also called from Bethany and Stafford.

UPDATE 2:23 p.m.: Caledonia and York fire are also on scene. Asbury Road is closed at Telephone Road (Route 20). They have water on the blaze and are going to hook into a hydrant on South Street Road.

UPDATE 2:28 p.m.: The Le Roy fire auxiliary is being contacted to bring drinking water to the firefighters.

UPDATE 2:38 p.m.: The American Red Cross is called for the displacement at least three residents. National Grid is called to the scene.

Structure fire reported on Walnut Street in the city

By Billie Owens
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A fire with flames showing is reported at 3 Walnut St., between South Main Street and Walnut Place in the City of Batavia.

"Looks like a pretty good header in the air," says a first responder.

Flames showing from the second story of the two-story wooden residence.

It's gone to a second alarm.

City fire is responding along with mutual aid from Darien, Town of Batavia and Alexander fire, plus Mercy Medics.

"Engine #11 has water on the fire," a firefighter reports.

UPDATE 6:58 p.m.: "Fire knocked down," says command.

UPDATE 8:59 p.m.: City Engine #12 is responding.

UPDATE 9:01 p.m.: City Engine #12 is on scene.

UPDATE 9:07 p.m.: Alexander #101 on scene. City #17 en route to 3 Walnut. "Fire is out," reports command. "Overhauling."

UPDATE 9:10 pm.: City #17 is on scene. Darien is told to continune in non-emergency mode.

UPDATE 10:11 p.m. (By Howard): The cause of the fire is still under investigation said Chief Stephen Napolitano. There were no injuries. All residents evacuated before firefighters were on scene. The upstairs apartment, where the fire started, was occupied by two adults and an infant. The downstairs apartment was occupied by one adult and a 12-year-old and a 15-year-old. One family can stay with friends or family; the other family will be assisted by the Red Cross. There is heavy smoke damage and the utilities to the building have been turned off. Video will be posted later.

UPDATE 10:34 p.m.: A police patrol has been asked to search the area of the Walnut Street footbridge for a beagle with a leash attached. The dog was last seen running from the fire in that direction.

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Photo by Andrea Stasko.

Rubbish fire endangering barn in Stafford

By Billie Owens

A rubbish fire near a barn is reported at 9997 Fargo Road in Stafford. Stafford command reports the fire needs to be extinguished ASAP or the barn could catch fire.

Stafford firefighters are on scene along with mutual aid from Bethany, Darien and Corfu. A passing train slightly delayed some responders. 

UPDATE 5:09 p.m.: Fire is out. Stafford assignment is back in service.

Fire in woods behind a house on Jerico Road in Bethany

By Billie Owens

Fire in the woods behind a house is reported at 5455 Jerico Road in Bethany. The location is between Bethany Center and East roads.

Pavilion Fire Department is rerouting a tanker from a mutual aid call in Wyoming County to the Bethany fire incident. Stafford is asked to stand by in their quarters with a tanker. Alexander is called to the scene with a tanker.

York is asked to stand by in their hall in case Bethany calls for their mutual aid.

UPDATE 11:41 a.m.: Attica Fire Department, with a tanker en route to the scene, is asked to "drive by" in case they are needed. Attica says it can also send a brush truck if warranted.

UPDATE 11:49 a.m.: The fire is mostly out, command says, and they are working on hot spots now. Stafford is put back in service. Alexander is on location. Attica is continuing to the scene in non-emergency mode.

Garage fire reported in the city on Farwell Drive

By Billie Owens

Fire, possibly leaves or rubbish, was reported between residences at 7 and 9 Farwell Drive. Now flames are showing and a garage has caught fire. City fire is responding.

UPDATE 4:04 p.m.: Fire is out.

Lawn mower catches fire, sparking grass fire near structure in Byron

By Billie Owens

A lawn mower caught on fire at 6441 Mill Pond Road in Byron, which spread to the grass around it, and a structure is 20 feet away. Byron and South Byron fire departments are responding.

"We have a fully involved lawn mower," says a first responder on scene.

UPDATE 1:21 p.m.: Byron command reports fire is out.

UPDATE 1:45 p.m.: The Byron and South Byron fire assignment is back in service.

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