GLOVERSVILLE — Local fire departments responded to an early morning fire at a vacant home on Franklin Street today that is currently under investigation.
The Gloversville and Johnstown Fire Departments were dispatched to a structure fire at 14 Franklin St. today at 2:57 a.m. and remained on the scene until 6:51 a.m.
Upon arrival, members of the city’s third battalion reportedly encountered heavy fire on both floors in the rear of the building and threatening exposure to the neighboring home at 12 Franklin St. where siding was melting and beginning to burn on both the house and garage.
Battalion Chief David Rackmyre summoned “all hands” from all departments and shifts to the scene where the rear of the home was fully involved according to a press release. The Johnstown Fire Department also summoned members from another shift to assist at the scene.
Additionally, the Berkshire Fire Department placed one engine on standby in Gloversville and the Ambulance Service of Fulton County stood by at the scene
Firefighters Steven West and Matt Edwards deployed handlines to prevent the neighboring home from catching fire and to bring the main body in the rear of 14 Franklin St. under control. Brandon Lehr and William Neal worked to stop the fire that spread to the attic.
No one was living at the home at the time of the fire and no injuries were reported to civilians or firefighters.
Fire Chief Thomas Groff said today the fire is under investigation by Gloversville Fire Department investigators, the Gloversville Police Department and the state Office of Fire Prevention and Control K-9 unit.
A two-story porch on the rear of the building collapsed during the fire and Groff said damage to the home was significant. Next door damage was confined to the exterior melting of siding. Groff attributed the quick action of firefighters with the prevention of the fire spreading.
Crews were additionally assisted on the scene with crowd control by the Gloversville Police Department.
