The historic church property that was destroyed by fire late-Monday was reconfigured into a home, according to family members of Joe DeMaio, who has lived there for several decades.
A GoFundMe has been launched for the 72-year-old, who lived in the church-turned-home on Powers Road.
Family members say DeMaio lost everything in the fire, and nearly lost his life escaping the blaze.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation at this time.
Church destroyed by fire in Throop: 9+ agencies dispatched to scene
First responders were called to a structure fire on Powers Road after 11 p.m. on Monday.
According to our partners at the Cayuga/Seneca Fire Wire, Throop, Auburn, Montezuma, Sennett, Port Byron, Aurelius, Owaco Fire, Jordan RIT and Auburn Ambulance were called to Powers Road near Turnpike Road for a fully-involved structure fire.
Firefighters on-scene confirmed what dispatch reported, and while it was initially said to be a house fire – the building was apparently an old church.
An exterior attack was used on the structure, as the flames were too intense. One person was reportedly sent to the hospital, too.
This is a developing story. Expect updates throughout the day.
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