Fire officials are deeming the cause of the fire at Union Tools accidental
By: Jennifer Lee
Updated: August 2, 2012
Fire crews from various counties all worked together to knock down the massive fire at the former Union Tools building in Frankfort Wednesday.
Today, they investigated what caused the fire and they say they have an answer.
Frankfort's Fire Chief is deeming Wednesday's fire accidental.
Chief Chuck Conigliaro says there were people working on the building when the fire broke out.
"It's just sad to see Union Tools go in this fashion," said Mayor Frank Moracco.
Almost thirty different fire departments from four counties worked together in trying to get the massive blaze under control at the former Union Tools building on Wednesday.
"There were some operations here for fire suppression today. There were three departments," said Robert Vandawalker, the Director of Emergency Services for Herkimer County.
Fire officials were also on the scene to investigate what could have sparked the fire. Chief Conigliaro says workers were grinding floor metal, creating sparks which set off the blaze.
A day later, curious residents drove by to take a look at the damage. And most say they worked at the former Union Tools facility or knew someone who did.
"That was Frankfort. Union Tools was what Frankfort was all about," explains Mayor Moracco.
Mayor Moracco says in the next couple of days, the rest of the buildings that are standing will be knocked down.
And although a part of Frankfort's identity may be a memory now, Mayor Moracco says there's an investor interested in the property. "Sometimes it takes a disaster like this to appreciate new businesses coming into our area," said Mayor Moracco.
Residents who may be concerned about their health or safety, officials say they shouldn't be concerned.
"Right now the only hazardous materials are in the ground. There is no concern at all. That will be remediated when the buildings are torn down," said Vandawalker.
Mayor Moracco says there were no injuries that he is aware of. He says he's taking this negative situation as a positive for the Village and is looking forward to a new beginning.
