Dewyea residence saved by firefighters in Thursday fire

by Dan McClelland

Local and area fire department volunteers saved the house of Mark Dewyea and his family on 15 Little Wolf Road Thursday afternoon, after interior teams found the fire in the basement and were able to quickly extinguish it, according to Chief Royce Cole.

Judging by an inspection of the property Monday, it appeared most of the house, including the exterior, were fortunately spared from damage.

Firefighters were dispatched out at 2:36p.m. that afternoon and the first units arriving saw smoke exiting some of the windows, according to the chief.

The hometown firefighters brought Engines 161 and 165, as well as tower truck No. 164 and a utility vehicle with them to the Junction scene.

The call generated a mutual aid response from the Piercefield Fire Department with an engine and volunteers who stood standby at the Tupper station. Paul Smith’s-Gabriels FD and the Saranac Lake department both came here with both firefighters and engines.

The Tupper Lake Volunteer Ambulance and Emergency Squad stood by to assist any fire victims and the TLPD officers assisted traffic control.

Also on the scene were New York State troopers and the Franklin County Fire Investigation team. Investigation into the cause of the fire is still ongoing, Chief Cole reported Monday.

Linemen with the Tupper Lake Electric Department disconnected the power to the property, upon their arrival.

The American Red Cross at its Morrisonville office reported that its volunteers gave emergency assistance to two family members.

“The Red Cross provided financial assistance which can be use for necessities such as shelter, food and clothing for two adults. Volunteers also offered emotional support and comfort kits containing personal care items. One of the residents was eligible for veterans’ services,” according to a statement from the chapter.