OPPENHEIM — A structure fire at a home in Oppenheim caused extensive damage throughout the home and killed several pets including a dog and two ferrets.
At approximately 8:15 a.m. on Thursday, Oppenheim Volunteer Fire Company and Hilltop Volunteer Fire Company were dispatched to 345 Mill Road for reports of a structure fire.
Fulton County Fire Coordinator Steve Santa Maria said upon arrival to the scene, the home was fully involved in the fire.
“They made an interior attack and knocked [out] most of the fire very quickly,” Santa Maria said.
The two occupants of the home, Chad Miller and Heather Miller, made it out of the home with minor injuries. Santa Maria said Chad Miller was treated at the scene for a cut on his hand. The couple then drove themselves to Little Falls Hospital to be evaluated.
Red Cross was also contacted to assist the pair with clothing.
Unfortunately, a dog and two ferrets died in the fire and two cats are unaccounted for.
One firefighter was sent to Nathan Littauer Hospital for smoke inhalation when his face mask became dislodged.
“Everyone has been treated and released,” Santa Maria said.
Santa Maria said there is extensive fire damage to the house including the kitchen, two additional rooms on the first floor, the room above the kitchen and the attic. There is smoke, heat and water damage to the rest of the home.
He said it is up to the home owner, Glen Damin and the insurance company, to decide whether the house is torn down and rebuilt.
“The cause of the fire is still under investigation,” Santa Maria said. “It doesn’t appear to be anything suspicious.”
He said Fulton County Fire Investigation team and the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control are investigating the fire and following up on interviews.
Responding to the structure fire for mutual aid were Rockwood-Garoga-Lassellville Volunteer Fire Department, Dolgeville Fire Department and St. Johnsville Fire Department. Also at the scene were St. Johnsville Ambulance and Greater Amsterdam Volunteer Ambulance Corps., along with National Grid who disconnected the power.
