SOUTH OTSELIC – According to local residents and firemen, Sunday was a sad day for South Otselic, which saw the demise of a historic building due to a raging fire.

City of Norwich Fireman Travis Burlingame said the fire at the beloved building named the “Cox Block” in South Otselic – off of state Highway 26 – was reported at approximately 1 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 14. It was initially reported as a “stove fire” in a kitchen.

South Otselic firemen responded to the scene, along with a ladder truck from Norwich and an engine and tanker from Pharsalia and Cincinnatus. Pharsalia, Cincinnatus, Plymouth, Smyrna, Georgetown, Norwich and DeRuyter fire stations were among those who responded to the fire.

The first fire chief on the scene reported a stove fire in an apartment above the South Otselic General Store. The chief requested a ladder truck from Cincinnatus and a “full response” or “all equipment” from DeRuyter.

“It was an older building fire that spread rapidly. Before long, the whole structure was on fire,” said Burlingame.

Georgetown and Plymouth were quickly requested for an engine and tanker. Smyrna was requested for manpower and two additional tankers.

“The fire was reported under control at around 3 p.m., but due to the size of the building and fire, extensive overhaul needed to be completed,” said Burlingame.

Crews remained on the scene for several more hours and conducted overhaul. NYSEG, the Red Cross, and an ambulance from CMT were requested to standby.

The age of the building and the way it was constructed greatly impacted how fast the fire spread, according to Burlingame.

“The crews did a hell of a job,” said Burlingame. “Many of them have probably never seen a fire of this magnitude.”

State Highway 26 was closed between County Road 42 and Stage Road due to the commercial fire and overhaul for multiple hours. County Road 13 was also closed at the intersection of state Highway 26 for multiple hours. Drivers had to drive away from the hamlet of South Otselic.