Fire destroys apartment building

VARYSBURG, N.Y. (WIVB) - Six Wyoming County families are without a place to live after a New Year's Eve fire destroyed their apartment building.

Neighbors are coming together to help the residents in their time of need.

David Bick returned to the same spot where he stood on New Year's Eve, the night he watched the place he called home burn to the ground. There's nothing left but a huge pile of rubble.

Bick said, "Thank God I wasn't in it. Amazing. I can't believe it went up as quick as it did."

The fire broke shortly before midnight in a large apartment complex on Main Street in Varysburg, which sits next to the Varysburg Hotel. No one was killed or hurt in the fire, however, six families are now homeless. The owner is devastated.

Owner Ken Blair said, "I never thought it would happen so close to me, but it does."

News 4's Lorey Schultz asked, "Any idea what happened?"

Blair said, "We think it was electrical. We don't know."

Schultz asked, "Did you live there?"

Blair said, "My daughter and granddaughter."

"I feel bad for tenants. They didn't get anything out, very little."

When tragedy strikes in Varysburg, residents tell News 4 they always pull together, and that's what's happening. A benefit is planned for January 17th at the Varysburg Hotel."

We were there when the plans were finalized and posted, and generous people from all over the community dropped by with boxes filled with clothing donations.

Linda Dunn works at the tavern and says everyone wants to help.

Dunn said, "I think it's nice. Overwhelming how generous people are. It gives me the goose bumps. It's nice."

Many of the displaced fire victims, which include children, have found temporary shelter with nearby family, but their needs are great.

Bick said, "I lost everything. I didn't get nothing out."

Clothing and furniture drop off sites are now being set up. The owner of the North Java Inn stepped forward almost immediately.

North Java Inn Owner Ken Filipiak said, "We knew the people who lived here and we want to help as much as we can."

Bick said "Good people around here. I know where I'm coming from. Good people around here."

Again, the Benefit for the Varysburg Fire Victims is scheduled for January 17th at the Varysburg Hotel, beginning at one p.m.

The cost is ten dollars per person. You can also make a monetary donation at any Five Star Bank in western New York.

A special fund has been set up at each of the bank branches.