By John Spaulding
At 22:05, the City of Rochester (NY) Fire Department received multiple calls for a fire in a large building at the corner of Anderson Avenue and N. Goodman St. Five minutes later, the first-arriving fire apparatus reported smoke and flames coming from the third floor of a four story building that housed two businesses and numerous apartments.
A second alarm was called for five minutes later due to the size of the structure and the possibility that people were still inside, requiring extra manpower. The fire was put under control 38 minutes later according to Captain Joe Luna.
Gary Stern who has owned the building for 30 years said he has “never had a fire – ever in the building”. He fully plan to rebuild the damage. He is not sure when that could happen, but is confident that he will complete it.
The two businesses that are inside are Salina’s Restaurant and Onondaga School of Therapeutic Massage. Both businesses sustained heavy water damage.
Jamie Peca who was bartending at Salena’s said the fire alarm went off and everyone got up in a calm and orderly fashion and went outside. “We didn’t know why the alarm went off at first but could smell smoke”. She added that to watch the firefighters was “amazing to see them in action–a surreal sight”. She was not surprised that no one panicked. Kelly and Aaron Metras are great owners she said, after only working there a short time, and hopes that they rebound from this tragedy.
Sherry Callon who lives in one of the apartments and moved in last December said as soon as the fire alarm went off, she got up and left immediately. When she turned around the corner she could see thick heavy smoke and flames coming from one of the third floor window. She also commented on the firefighters “doing a great job, and getting there so quickly”. She plans on staying with her daughter for now.
It was not immediately known how many people will be displaced by the fire, although there were 15 apartments. The building sustained heavy water and some smoke damage. Stern said it will be a few days before he knows the exact amount of damage.
According to Captain Luna, no civilians were injured. There was some concern over a person that uses a wheelchair getting out, and a couple that are hearing impaired. Luna also said one firefighter was injured, and would be out of work for awhile, although not life threatening. The Red Cross was on scene to assist people.
The origin and cause of the fire was being conducted by the Fire Investigation Unit.
Check out more of John’s photos from this fire HERE.
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