BY JEFF CHUDZINSKI

North Country This Week

 MASSENA — American Red Cross volunteers are assisting 14 individuals following a residential structure fire that also claimed three lives on June 26 on South Main St.

According to a press release, volunteers from the Central and North New York Chapters were on scene just hours after the fire began to assist families. Original reports suggested five residents required assistance, however that number soon ballooned to 14 when the full scope of the situation was learned.

The Red Cross provided financial assistance which can be used for necessities such as shelter, food and clothing, officials wrote.

“Volunteers also offered emotional support, health services, comfort kits containing personal care items, and blankets. In the coming days, Red Cross staff and volunteers will remain available to help those affected by the fire as they navigate the road to recovery,” the release stated.

According to Massena Volunteer Fire officials, a call went out at 2. a.m on June 26 for a structure fire at a residential building.

The property, located at 419 South Main St. in the village, had heavy smoke and flames on the second floor of the multi-unit apartment building when firefighters arrived three minutes later, officials said.

“Flashover occurred in both second floor apartments as crews were beginning their primary search for occupants,” officials wrote in a Facebook update.

Several pets were safely removed from the property along with 14 inhabitants.

Fire officials say three residents were pronounced deceased at the scene by the St. Lawrence County Coroner, which was also confirmed by Massena Chief of Police Jason Olson.

No further information was provided as of press time pending notification of next-of-kin, officials said.

According to Olson, the investigation into the cause of the blaze is still ongoing and no further details will be provided at this time.

Massena Fire was assisted on scene by Massena Police Department, Massena Rescue Squad, Seaway Valley Ambulance, Village of Massena Department of Public Works, Massena Electric Department, St. Lawrence County Office of Emergency Services, St. Lawrence County Fire Investigative Team, New York State Police, New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control, Louisville Fire Department, Brasher- Winthrop Fire Department, Norfolk Fire Department, and Hogansburg-Akwesasne Fire Department.