Homeowner taken to local hospital following Otter Lake blaze

OTTER LAKE- Emergency responders were on the scene until nearly 5:00 a.m. Wednesday morning battling the house fire in Otter Lake.

Per the latest developments, authorities confirm that the homeowner was taken to a local hospital by Old Forge Ambulance for evaluation of non-life-threatening injuries.

Alarms rang shortly before 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, as Oneida County Emergency Dispatch informed Otter Lake Fire Department of a fully engulfed structure fire at 135 Ager Lane.

Authorities said cold weather and difficult access hindered operations on scene.

Fire officials said Forestport Fire Department established a fill site for tankers to haul water to the fire.

Furthermore, Woodgate Fire Department also set up portable water ponds to supply nearby engines.

Stittville and Old Forge Fire Departments helped extinguish flames that extended to a neighboring house, authorities clarified.

Image courtesy of Otter Lake Fire Department.

Fire crews were on the scene for nearly 12-hours, including a lot of time spent ensuring the threat of hot spots was minimalized.

Fire officials say the cause of the fire is unknown and remains under investigation.

The Ladies Auxiliary from Old Forge Fire Department provided hot drinks and snacks throughout the night.

Shuefelts Towing also assisted on the scene.