Cockaigne fire devastates employees

CHERRY CREEK, N.Y. (WIVB) - Flames devoured a popular southern tier ski resort.

Employees and community members are devastated.

"I feel like I did when my dad died, just heartsick," said  employee Linda Johnson

Employees are heartbroken to see the legendary ski lodge in ruins.

Cockaigne owner Jack Vanscoter said, "This is my 41st year at Cockaigne."

Vanscoter said, he employs 201 people who may now be out of jobs.

  >>  Photo Gallery: Ski resort fire

  >>  Watch video from the fire

"I feel so bad about their loss, and the loss to the community," said Vanscoter.

The fire started around 10:30 p.m. Monday, and was still burning Tuesday morning.

When the fire started, Cockaigne was closed and fortunately no one was injured.

Many people say, it still hurts looking at the structure.

"It's a real loss. It was ours. Young families, teenagers learning how to ski, it was always safe and small, and everybody knew each other," said community member Sandy Johnson.

The lodge has a long history. The lodge was from the 1960-1965 New York World's Fair.

Employee Mike Eaker said, "My family skied here, my kids grew up here, they are now working here."

The ski center's owner says he doesn't have insurance, but will do the best he can to rebuild.

Chautauqua County Executive Greg Edwards was at the ski center Tuesday morning. He said, he wants to help them rebuild because they are a big segment of the economy in Chautauqua County.