Cooling appliance suspected as cause in Port Leyden apartment building fire

PORT LEYDEN- A fire late Thursday night at the Whitton Place apartment complex prompted the response of several emergency agencies.

The fire was called in shortly before 10:00 p.m. as a witness reported that they could see smoke and possible flames from within the structure at 7320 East Main Street.

Port Leyden Fire Department was the primary responder, with Boonville, Constableville, Lyons Falls and Turin Fire Departments providing mutual aid. Port Leyden, Constableville and Turin Ambulance all provided assistance as well.

When firefighters arrived, they found an A/C unit that had caught fire in one of the apartment windows.

As a result of this fire, six out of twelve apartment units were destroyed, while the other six sustained smoke and water damage.

Fortunately, the office of Lewis County Emergency Management says all residents residing at the complex have been re-located to a local motel or with family members.

No injuries were reported and the Red Cross is currently assisting.

For context, Snowbelt Housing is the organization that owns the property.

Due to safety and stability concerns, half of the structure was torn down.

Though it appears the cooling unit was the culprit for sparking this fire, an investigation remains ongoing.

National Grid, Lewis County Search & Rescue and Shue Brothers Excavating all assisted.

Image via Angel Santamour.