The Seneca County Sheriff’s Office responded on April 8 to a structure fire at 732 State Route 96 in Waterloo. Deputies arrived at the scene around 8:36 p.m. and found the house fully engulfed in flames, according to Sheriff Timothy Thompson.
The incident is significant as no residents were home during the fire, and there were no reported injuries. However, one dog remains unaccounted for following the event.
Upon arrival, deputies entered part of the residence that was filled with smoke but not yet overtaken by flames and confirmed that no people were inside. Multiple agencies assisted at the scene, including Waterloo Fire Department, Border City Fire Department, Geneva Fire Department, Oaks Corner Fire Department, Varick Fire Department, North Seneca Ambulance, Seneca County Fire Coordinator, New York State Police, American Red Cross and other mutual aid teams.
Sheriff Thompson said that “Deputies made entry to the residence and cleared part of the structure that was filled with smoke but was not yet engulfed.” He also confirmed that “Deputies discovered that the residents were not home during the fire. No injuries were reported because of this fire, but one dog is unaccounted for.”
Authorities stated that the house was fully insured but has been deemed a total loss due to extensive damage from the blaze. The cause of the fire remains under investigation as members of the New York State Fire Investigation Team continue their work.
Officials have not provided further details about what may have started the fire or if there are any developments expected soon.
