Village house on Raquette Pond destroyed by fire

By Phyllis Larabie

Shortly before 1a.m. yesterday- January 28- the Tupper Lake Volunteer Fire Department members were called to 5 Lake Shore Drive next to Raquette Pond to a fully involved structure fire, with flames shooting through the roof as the volunteers arrived. Tuesday morning was a long night for the firefighters.

Chief Royce Cole said yesterday the house was apparently an Airbnb (short-term rental) that was not occupied at the time of the fire. He stated that the first firefighter on scene reported house was fully involved.

A call for mutual aid was toned out for manpower and an engine from Piercefield Fire Department to stand by at the Tupper Lake Station and Paul Smiths-Gabriels was directed to the scene with its engine and volunteers.

Chief Cole stated that firefighting was difficult at times due to white-out conditions and high wind gusts that continuously fueled the fire. Weather reports had predicted overnight gusts up to 50m.p.h.

Nineteen members from Tupper Lake Fire Department and eight from Paul Smiths-Gabriels responded.

Franklin County Cause and Origin officials where also on scene to conduct an investigation. The investigation is ongoing at this time. The home was described as a total loss.

Tupper Fire was assisted by Tupper Lake EMS, New York State Police and Tupper Lake Electric Department.

One firefighter was evaluated by EMS for smoke inhalation. No transport was required.

Members were back in service at 7:45a.m.

-Photo by Jim Lanthier.