ORISKANY FALLS, N.Y. -- Multiple departments from Oneida and Madison Counties began fighting the flames that destroyed an old mill in Oriskany Falls Saturday evening in chilling temperatures.
"It was a four story building and a story-and-a-half underground, heavy timber construction," said Oriskany Falls Fire Chief Drew Ecker.
Oriskany Falls Mayor Steve Jeffers says the building was the backbone of the community until the mill closed down.
"A lot of people have grown up here. Their parents have worked here, their family's been here. It's pretty tough," said Jeffers.
Jeffers says the building is now owned by a gentleman from Alabama who had crews working to redevelop the space.
Residents say they are sad to see the building gone, and hope the area will be rebuilt, one brick at a time.
"This is devastating. This is a historic building,” said Oriskany Falls resident Brian Burdick.
The cause is still under investigation. There are no reported injuries at this time.
Also, residents in Oneida County received an Emergency alert this afternoon asking anyone impacted by the smoke from the fire to go to the fire station. If you cannot get there yourself you are being asked to call 911.