Source of destructive Potsdam fire unknown

POTSDAM — A cause has not been determined for a Saturday night fire that heavily damaged 7 Pine St.

The fire, which likely started in a back hallway, caused the most damage to an unoccupied apartment and hallway. A quick response by the Potsdam Fire Department, with assistance from Norwood, Canton and West Potsdam firefighters, is credited with saving the rest of the building.

The building, which is owned by Jeffrey J. and Jane James, contained Mr. James's T-shirt business, the offices of Communication Workers of America Local 1128 and one occupied apartment.

A baby sitter and two children were in the home when the fire started at 8:37 p.m. but got out safely. A firefighter suffered heat exhaustion and was checked out at Canton-Potsdam Hospital.

Building resident Shane R. Curtis, 34, was charged by village police with obstructing firefighting operations, failure to obey a police officer, driving without a license, unreasonable speed and driving while ability impaired by alcohol. Police said his blood alcohol content was 0.06 percent, the threshold for impaired driving under state law.

Police said Mr. Curtis sped onto Pine Street, which was closed, ran into the building and refused to leave. Firefighters were at the scene until 1:30 a.m., Chief David W. McGregor said.