Fire Destroys Tioga Center Home

Firefighters from Tioga Center, Halsey Valley, Nichols and Owego responded to a Chimney fire around 11 o’clock Wednesday night. Reports indicate that the fire, at 143 Halsey Valley Road, spread to the back room of the residence. Firefighters believed that the fire was out by 3:30 AM, but it flared up again around 5:30. There were no injuries but the home is a complete loss. A camper parked near the residence is also totaled. Firefighters say the fire got trapped in the attic of the old farm house. Fire Chief Art Mayer said they may need to use an excavator to help uncover parts of the attic that are still burning. The building will have to come down. Some clothes were recovered but the family has otherwise lost everything. Halsey Valley Road was been closed all morning, causing a 2 hour delay for the Tioga Central School District.