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Interior of business garage in Corfu destroyed by fire

By Howard B. Owens

The cause of an early morning fire at an industrial building right on the county line in Corfu is still under investigation.

Firefighters from 12 companies in Genesee, Wyoming and Erie counties responded to the 5:40 a.m. alarm, according to Darien Fire Chief Ray Felski.

One firefighter suffered a twisted ankle and was transported to UMMC, but no other injuries were reported.

It took more than 90 minutes to knock down the fire at 190 Genesee St., and as of 10 a.m., firefighters were still on scene dealing with flare ups and hot spots.

Fire crews had to contend with two difficulties in battling the large structure fire: The garage doors had to be cut off, increasing the amount of time before water could be put on the fire; and there is no municipal water in the area, so tankers had to truck in sufficient water to fight the blaze.

There were dogs in cages behind the structure and firefighters were able to successfully get them out of harm's way.

Several businesses share the facility, according to Felski.

Firefighters were able to keep the fire away from the business office section of the building.

Felski said he anticipates there will be a press release with more information once the cause of the fire is determined.

Bottom photo was submitted by a reader.

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