Breaking News: Lakewood Apartments on fire in downtown Stockbridge. Early reports indicate possibility of a total loss
Photo credit Valentin Chico Guajardo from Facebook
Flames shoot from Lakewood Apartment roofs. Chief of Police reported, “All people out and safe.” Photo credit: Johnnie Torres.
by Hope Salyer
At 8 p.m. Aug. 11, Village President Molly Howlett was seated in an outdoor council meeting when her phone dinged with a text from Stockbridge Chief of Police Johnnie Torres. An enclosed photo (pictured above) showed flames shooting from a building roof. Torres wrote: “FYI. Major file at Lakewood Apts.” Immediately following Torres’ first text, another arrived from him. He reported, “All people out and safe.”
Black clouds billowed into the sky. The scent and haze of smoke traveled for miles. The Lakewood Apartment complex was on fire in downtown Stockbridge.
Local and surrounding area fire departments and emergency services rushed to the scene, and firefighters battled the massive structure fire. On hand were Stockbridge Area Emergency Services Authority, Dansville Fire Department, Unadilla Fire Department and Chelsea Fire Department.
Early reports indicated the possibility of a total loss.
Photo credit Josh Akers from Facebook
Photo credit Josh Akers from Facebook
This is an ongoing situation.SCN will continue to report as more information becomes available.
Hope everyone got out safe!
Yes. Early reports indicate all are safe.
The 3rd photo was taken by Thomas Salyer. He posted it on his personal Facebook.
My sister-in-law, Hope Hartsuff Criger, had her apartment burned and a total loss. We are trying to get her renters insurance claim settled with no cooperation from the apartments insurance provider. All she needs is a copy of the final fire report and she can get that to her AAA Insurance company to be reimbursed and able to replace some of what she lost in the fire. She is currently in a rest home in Gregory and we are having no luck helping her get this settled. Do you have any resources for us to reach out to?
Dear Reid and Judy. Thank you for reaching out. I will forward your message to Jon Fillmore of Abbott & Fillmore. Maybe he or his firm could offer some helpful advice. So sorry for Hope’s troubles. Patrice (Weddon) Johnson