Castile, N.Y. - Wyoming County authorities say they found no sign of restaurant owner Lorraine Qutermous. A fire broke out at her apartment which is located in the same building as her restaurant and the Castile village and town offices.
Firefighters responded just before 2 a.m. to the municipal building within about 10 minutes according to village leaders.
The fire engulfed the structure--which is no longer useable.
Firemen could not access water from nearby hydrants. New water utilities are being installed rendering the hydrants useless. Water had to be trucked in by some of the two dozen fire companies who responded.
The building itself will be demolished as soon as investigators finish work according to Town Supervisor Steve Tarbell. Countless records for both the village and town were destroyed according to Tarbell, some of which date back to 1882.
Documents that were salvaged were brought next door to the fire hall. The very same hall will soon house board meetings as well as court proceedings.
The Bank of Castile donated office space for both village and town offices. By Thursday, town and village leaders are hopeful that phone lines and offices will be set up and ready to provide service for local residents.
Friends and family members did not wish to speak with 13WHAM News about Lorraine Qutermous.
