Eight fire departments along with county fire coordinators battled a blaze that damaged the Ye Hare N Hounds in Bemus Point Last night. Crews from Bemus Point were joined by Chautauqua, Lakewood, Maple Springs, Ashville, Ellery Center, Fluvanna, and Busti in fighting the fire at 64 Lakeside Drive shortly after 9 pm. Fire officials say they found the fire in the rear portion of the building off the kitchen and second floor. The owners and patrons were able to get out of the restaurant without any injuries. One firefighter reportedly suffered minor injuries. Chautauqua County Fire invesigators believe an exhaust chimney pipe for a kitchen broiler had deteriorated and allowed the heat from the broiler to get into the wall studs where the fire spread to the second floor. The business sustained fire, water and heat damage throughout the structure.
Photo by Jimmy McCarthy/Post Journal