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FIRE DESTROYS

CHRISTOPHER’S

Oneonta Landmark Burns Overnight

The fire that broke out overnight completely destroyed Christopher’s Restaurant on Southside.  The landmark was unique locally:  It was built and decorated as an Adirondack lodge, evident in the trophies (foreground) that decorated the walls. The cause remains under investigation (Ian Austin/AllOTSEGO.com)

By LIBBY CUDMORE • Special to www.AllOTSEGO.com

ONEONTA – The Oneonta Fire Department is still on the scene after an early morning blaze destroyed landmark Christopher’s Restaurant on Southside.

The call came into the city fire department at 2:20 a.m. and professional firefighters arrived on the scene to find the restaurant fully engulfed.  “It no longer exists,” said fireman Al Sayers Lutz. “It’s been completely destroyed.”

No one was in the building when the fire started, but two firemen reported minor injuries. No cause has been determined, and the investigation is ongoing.

Laurens, West Laurens, Milford, Morris, Schenevus, West Oneonta, Otego, Worcester, Unadilla, Wells Bridge, Franklin, Pindars Corners, East Meredith, Davenport and Sidney all gave mutual aid.

With no hydrants on Southside, water was drawn from the Susquehanna River and the creek behind the restaurant, as well as tankers filled at the hydrant near the Golden Guernsey.

This is a developing story,

please check back for details

Posted

7 Comments

  1. Christopher scott was a good friend and his father larry as well.larry owned and ran molinaris and at one time the homestead in colliersville.chris sold his restaruant years ago.brings back old memories

  2. What I think is “What to heck are you thinking Oneonta” You decided to destroy the business district downtown by building the businesses on Southside then make a goof ball decision NOT to put in hydrants. DUH….

  3. I’m glad “professional firefighters” arrived first and all those “unprofessional volunteers” showed up later to help!! I despise the use of “professional firefighter” when talking about “paid” vs “volunteer”. We are ALL professionals and undergo the same training. Ninety percent of all fire departments in the United States are 100% VOLUNTEER!!!

  4. How did the trophies get out before the fire? I worked there years ago and those were mounted very sturdy to prevent theft (the Buffalo head was stolen while I was there and recovered). Just curious how they made it out.

  5. Kudos to all involved. The term professional firefighters applies to each and every one that responded, not just city firemen.

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