Blaze destroys tenants' homes

MASSENA — Fire destroyed most of a Massena building early Friday.

The Massena Fire Department received the call at 4:45 a.m. and was on the scene within minutes, fighting the blaze at 68 Water St. Fire departments from Brasher, Winthrop and Louisville came to help, while the Helena department was on standby.

The fire was contained by 7 a.m., according to David J. Weitz, first assistant chief at Massena.

"It appears that the fire started on the kitchen stove" of an upstairs apartment, said W. Joseph Lacks, St. Lawrence County fire investigator. "There was an attempt to put it out but it ended up spreading."

It has yet to be determined what was on the stove that caused the fire, he said.

Four apartments, three of which were occupied, were destroyed. The building is owned by James R. and Mary M. Vernier.

"Good firefighting kept the fire from spreading to the adjacent buildings," Mr. Lacks said.

None of the tenants had renter's insurance, although the building was insured. No injuries were reported, Mr. Weitz said.

The Massena Rescue Squad and the American Red Cross also were at the scene. One of the families in the building will be receiving food and clothing assistance from the Red Cross, according to Olga E. Grant, Potsdam branch manager. The other tenants have not yet contacted the office to request assistance, Mrs. Grant said.

The tenants were unavailable for comment.

The fire occurred around the corner from where the Jan. 31 blaze left a gaping hole on Main Street.