Massive Fire Destroys Piece of History in Upstate New York

A massive fire has destroyed a piece of history in Upstate New York. But the community is committed to rising from the ashes.

36 Main Street in Tupper Lake used to be home to one of the area's first hotels, the old Wheel Inn. It was where local residents Dan and Jen King were working and living. The local artists had turned part of their home into a workshop called Hammersong.

Today nothing is left but ashes.

Intense Flames Spark Evacuation

The blaze broke out just after 2:30AM on Saturday, June 8. Flames were so intense nearby homes had to be evacuated and firefighters from several departments were called in to keep it away from the gas station across the street.

Luckily no one was injured in the blaze. Everyone managed to make it out of the building but the King family did lose two pets in the fire.

READ MORE: 3 More Earthquakes Hit Same Spot Near New York in One Week

What sparked the massive blaze? That is still under investigation.

Community Rallies to Help Rebuild

The community has rallied around the King family who are well known in the area. The couple volunteer every year to help build the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival Ice Palace. More than $25,000 has already been raised in a GoFundMe to help the Kings rebuild bigger and better.

"Memories, priceless mementos, as well as the lives of the precious animals, their cat Prints and rabbit Sr. Chester Bun-Buns, were all lost in the fire."

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