A massive two-alarm fire destroyed a south county motel Tuesday morning. Firefighters from several area departments responded to what is being described as a "large-scale" blaze at the Colony Motel on Fairmount Avenue in West Ellicott at approximately 5:30 AM. According to Celoron Fire Chief Jamison Justham, crews found a significant amount of fire in the back of the building on arrival. He says the flames extended to the second floor...
Jamison Justham: significant amount of fire
Justham says the Red Cross and Salvation Army are assisting approximately 15 people who were displaced by the fire. He adds that two of the occupants, plus one firefighter, were taken to UPMC Chautauqua...
Jamison Justham: several people displaced, two occupants and a firefighter transported
Celoron Fire is working with Ellicott Town Police and the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office to determine the cause. Fairmount Avenue between McDaniel Avenue and Dunham Avenue is expected to remain closed for the rest of the day Tuesday.
2:05 PM UPDATE: A second firefighter was taken to UPMC Chautauqua for evaluation. The Town of Ellicott has ordered a structural demolition of the motel.
