An iconic business in the village of Penn Yan was heavily damaged by fire early Wednesday morning.
Just before midnight, Yates County 9-1-1 received an alarm from the Penn Yan Diner. Penn Yan Police Sergeant Corey Grace was the first person to arrive on the scene and reported heavy smoke pouring from the 99-year-old East Elm Street diner. When the first units arrived on the scene, they confirmed a working structure fire coming from the trolley-shaped eatery. (see photo gallery below)
Firefighters smashed out the windows of the restaurant in an attempt to allow the smoke to pour out. It should also be noted the wonderful job the firefighters did in preventing the fire from spreading to the neighboring Masonic Building, home to the Living Well Mission, and the Silverbird Restaurant.
The cause remains under investigation.
The diner is owned by Anna Sweet, Nate Salpeter, Alicia Avellandeda, and Cameron Mills.
Assisting the Penn Yan Fire Department at the scene were the Himrod and Benton Fire Departments. Branchhport-Keuka Park responded to the Penn Yan station for standby.
All photos: Lucas Day, Finger Lakes Daily News
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