NUNDA – Local fire departments and the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office are investigating a sudden blaze in the village of Nunda that destroyed the upper levels of a large, historic house.
According to Nunda Fire Chief Rob Walker, the old architecture of 42 South State Street contributed to its destruction. The Chief said on scene that it was built ‘baloon style,’ meaning that the middle of the structure is open, with very few rooms in the middle.
“It’s an older style of house, built open in the middle,” said Walker. “The fire started in the bottom, but the bottom floor shows very little damage. The upper floor is completely destroyed.”
A large awning over a porch was visibly burned through, and chunks of blackened wood and shingles littered the unkempt yard.
Chief Walker warned on scene that the roof has caved in, and that the large porch overhang, supported by pillars, could collapse at any time.
Chief Walker added that the house has been vacant for two to three years, and that the nature of the blaze is very suspicious.
Chief Walker added that another suspicious fire that happened in August is still under investigation by the Nunda Fire Department and the Sheriff’s Office.
PHOTO CAPTION: Photos by Conrad Baker.