DELAWARE COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release:

At approximately 7:17am this morning, June 19, 2017, Delhi Fire Department
responded to a reported structure fire at 123 Main Street in the Village of Delhi at the
O’Neill’s Shire Pub, owned by Edward and Sally O’Neill.

First arriving Delhi FD units discovered heavy smoke conditions from all sides of the
structure. Bloomville, Bovina and Walton Fire Departments were requested as mutual
aid for man power and apparatus. Andes, Hobart and Meridale were placed on
automatic mutual aid standby for any other calls in the area. Franklin FAST team was
brought to the scene as a precaution. Cooperstown Medical Transport provided
assistance with a crew for firefighter rehabilitation. NYSEG crews responded to the
scene to cut electricity to the structure. New York State DOT and Delaware County
DPW assisted with traffic control.

The fire was deemed under control by 9am. The remainder of the morning was spent
on overhaul and checking for hot spots. The investigation into the cause of the fire
began around noon and was investigated by Delaware County Department of
Emergency Services, Delaware County Cause & Origin Team and New York State Office
of Fire Prevention and Control with a K9 accelerant dog and handler, Delaware County
Sheriff’s Office and Village of Delhi PD. The investigation revealed that the fire was
accidental in nature and started in the kitchen of the Pub from spontaneous
combustion of cleaning towels that were recently laundered.

Two upstairs residents were away and not home at the time of the fire. Their dog and 2
cats were rescued by firefighters and taken to safety.

Approximately 50 firefighters were on scene of the fire and no firefighter injuries were
reported.

All responding units were cleared from the scene at approximately 3pm.
The Shire Pub building remains structurally sound however suffered heavy smoke and
heat damage to the kitchen and bar area. The upstairs apartments suffered smoke
damage and some water damage.

All nearby businesses including the Delaware National Bank of Delhi and the Delaware
County Office Buildings were able to remain open for the duration of the fire.
The Delhi Community businesses and residents came together once again and
generously donated food and drinks for all responders.

 

More From Big Cat - Country with Attitude