Hero from Masonic Temple fire honored

DUNKIRK, N.Y. (WIVB) - The city of Dunkirk is saluting a hero of its own.

The Dunkirk City Council honored Carole Cotten, the owner and coach of Dynamics Unlimited Gymnastics, with a special award. Last month Cotten safely evacuated 32 children from her studio as the Masonic Temple it was housed in went up in flames.

Cotten said, "It was very difficult. You could barely see. We had no power. The smoke was terrible. The fire department said we had a two minute window, so that in itself was scary."

Parents are organizing fundraisers to help replace equipment lost in the massive fire.