Update: A GoFundMe page has been launched for the man whose home was destroyed by a fire Monday night in Cayuga County.
According to Rachael DeMaio, her father, Joe DeMaio, nearly lost his life escaping the blaze that destroyed the Throop church that had been reconfigured into a home; however, he only suffered minor burns and is otherwise physically healthy.
She added that everything the 72-year-old owned, including the home in which he had resided for over 30 years, was lost when the structure’s first and second floors collapsed into the basement. Rachael told Finger Lakes News Radio that she hopes the community can come together to help her father in this time of need and would be appreciative of any assistance.
You can donate at gofundme.com.
A home in Cayuga County was destroyed by fire late Monday night.
The Throop Volunteer Fire Department reported at 11:29 Monday night, Throop FD, Aurelius, Quint, Engine squad, Port Byron TP, Owasco RIT, Auburn E4, Car-1, Montezuma TP, Tender, Jordan Engine, Sennett FD with RIT, Auburn City Ambulance and Cayuga FD responded to a structure fire at 7362 Powers rd in Throop. Upon arrival, Throop Car 1 confirmed the fire and struck his second alarm bringing multiple resources.
An initial attack defensive mode was determined due to the size of the structure and fire load. The structure was an 1800 Church reconfigured into the owner’s home where he lived for over 50 years. The first and second floors collapsed into the basement where the fire ballooned through the remaining structure. The home is a total loss.
The owner of the home was asleep in bed when the fire broke out and awoke to his bed on fire. He narrowly escaped his residence however had burns to his lower legs and was evaluated by Auburn City Ambulance.
American Red Cross was called to the residence to help with the displacement of the lone occupant. Cayuga County EMO officials were on the scene to provide additional resources. The Throop FD Auxilary was at the scene and provided food and beverages to many of the exhausted firemen and firewomen on the scene.
The fire is still under investigation at this time and the Throop Fire Department remained on-scene through the morning putting out many hot spots.
No injuries were reported.
All photos by the Throop Volunteer Fire Department on Facebook:
