Wades Beach: Out of the Ashes

This week the local newspaper wrote about our fire which happened on Saturday, Jan. 19, 2008. I love how the Shelter Island Reporter relied on a photo supplied by the cops. It is nice and orange, isn't it? Since the account is not available without subscribing to the paper, here is what is has to say:

Chimney fire burns through roof

A chimney fire broke out Saturday evening at an occupied house located at 99 South Midway Road. The Fire Department responded after being dispatched at 7:35 p.m.

Fire Chief Ron Jernick said that while the fire was out within half an hour, the damage was quite extensive. “They’ll probably have to rebuild from scratch,” he said, adding, “Their roof is pretty much gone. That’s the main thing.”

The fire “started in and around the fireplace,” Chief Jernick said.

Supplementing the efforts of the Ladies Auxiliary, neighbors Abby and Fred Dress brought coffee for the volunteers, which in addition to Island firefighters included a Greenport rapid intervention team, members of the local Red Cross ambulance corps and a disaster services team to assist the homeowner. A Sag Harbor fire crew stood by at the Center Firehouse in case there was another alarm call.

Flames from a fire that started near the fireplace burst through the chimney box, consuming a large portion of the roof and attic.
Photo courtesy SIPD

I checked and we did not make The New York Times or Newsday. As far as fires go, it was among a rash of recent fires on the island, but nowhere close to the biggest.

Labels: Aftermath