BY JIMMY LAWTON
North Country Now

OGDENSBURG – Roughly 30 people displaced by a fire at Riverview Towers yesterday will be staying at Wadhams Hall until other arrangements can be made, according to county officials.

The blaze was reported at 10:42 a.m. Tuesday on the sixth floor of the building, which houses seniors and people who have physical disabilities.

Eight people were injured, but 104 people were successfully evacuated. The 100-unit building experienced extensive smoke and water damage but the fire was largely contained to the unit where the fire started and the neighboring unit, officials said.

One person who lived in the unit where the fire started is in critical condition. The fire is currently under investigation and New York State fire investigators were on site, though police had no further comment, according to Police Chief Mark Kearns.

St. Lawrence County Emergency Services are running a shelter at Wadhams Hall. Prior to the move to Wadhams, the victims were initially taken to Ogdensburg Free Academy.

St. Lawrence County Legislator James E. Reagen, who represents Ogdensburg, shared information regarding the situation and offered praise to all those involved in the effort to assist.

“I would like to publicly thank St. Lawrence County Administrator Ruth Doyle, County Emergency Services Director Matt Denner, County Office for the Aging Director Andrea Montgomery and our county Social Services staff and others for their efforts to help with today's mass casualty event in Ogdensburg. I would like to thank everyone for working together to address a major disaster,” he said.

Reagen provided an update from St. Lawrence County Administrator Ruth Doyle.

According to Doyle about 30 displaced residents will be sheltered at Wadhams Hall until other arrangements can be made.

She said Emergency Services Director Matt Denner is helping coordinate the effort, including arranging for their medications and various needs to be met.

Doyle said the Salvation Army is providing necessities and will provide assistance for the next 48 hours onsite at Wadhams Hall.

“Andrea Montgomery was onsite as a familiar helpful face to folks the County serves, and all units in the Department of Social Services (DSS) were on high alert to assist where needed for services,” the report from Doyle said.

Ogdensburg Fire was on scene with multiple departments assisting, including Morristown, Lisbon, Heuvelton, Waddington, Canton and Rensselaer Falls, according to Smith.

Officials say a pre-existing plan that was in place ensured a smooth and safe evacuation, with firefighters assisting many disabled individuals exit the building. Residents were evaluated before being sent away for medical care or to temporary housing.

Hospital officials at Claxton-Hepburn asked community members not in need of emergency medical assistance to avoid the hospital campus and surrounding areas while they assisted victims and their families Tuesday.

Ogdensburg Community Group Stronger Together also offered appreciation to first responders by bringing food to the command center and drinks from the scene. Margaret Haggerty, who spoke on behalf of the group, offered appreciation to businesses and community members who provided donations for the effort.