Fire crews battle Sunday blaze

PRINCETON — The cause of a Sunday afternoon fire that caused extensive damage to a Princeton building appears to be accidental in nature, according to Princeton Fire Chief John Petrakis.

On Monday, Petrakis said the investigation continues into Sunday’s fire which caused an estimated $125,000 in damage to the 225 N. Main St. building, which houses the Ooh La La Salon and an upstairs apartment. The building is owned by Ray and Cheri Swanson of Princeton.

Petrakis said the Princeton Fire Department received the call at 3:25 p.m. Sunday, and on arrival, found obvious fire and smoke showing from the east side of the two-story building and roof eaves. Fire department officials escalated the alarm assignment at 3:31 p.m. to summon mutual aid from MABAS Division 57 affiliates.

Upon entering the east side of the building, firefighters found moderate smoke conditions on the second floor of the building and intense fire and smoke throughout the attic space. Smoke conditions totally obstructed the interior visibility of the attic space, and fire crews were also challenged with a severe heat situation in that area.

Fire crews used multiple hose lines to bring the fire under control, which was achieved at about 3:49 p.m., Petrakis said. Fire, heat and water damage was contained to the attic of the building. Water and smoke damage was noted on the second floor, with water damage also noted on the first floor of the building.

Petrakis said there were no injuries. The building wasn’t occupied at the time of the fire. Petrakis also said two occupants living on the second floor of the building were displaced by the fire and made arrangements to stay with family.

Crews remained on the scene conducting an inspection of the attic space and adjacent void spaces to make sure the fire extension did not expand beyond the attic space. Also, multiple crews were assigned to the salvage of personal belongings and business equipment in the building.

The Princeton Fire Department responded with two engine companies, one truck company, two ambulances, and one incident commander. A total of 36 firefighters responded to the scene, with mutual aid at the scene from the Bureau, Malden and Spring Valley fire departments and the Putnam County EMS unit. Also assisting at the scene were the Princeton Police Department with traffic control, and the Princeton Electric Department and the Princeton Water Department, with utility power and water disconnections. The Spring Valley 10/33 Ambulance and Walnut Fire Department provided change of quarters’ station coverage.