FNN Article © Thursday, January 1, 2026. Image #1 by Webbs Mills Fire Department © Jan. 1, 2026, Image #2 by Painted Post Fire Department © Jan. 1, 2026. Click on images to enlarge.
TOWN OF CATON, NY – Fire crews from Steuben, Chemung and Tioga counties lent a hand in battling a house fire in the Town of Caton on New Year’s Day.
At 10:18 AM on Thursday, January 1, 2026, fire crews from Caton were first to be dispatched to a house fire in the Town of Caton, NY.
An elderly couple was in the home at the time of the fire and they had reported that smoke was filling their home. The couple was having difficulty breathing and getting out of the home. The homeowner made a second call to 911 and reported their home was on fire.
Minutes later it was reported that the couple kept trying to get back inside the home against the 911 operator’s advice.
As Caton fire personnel were rushing to the scene they reported seeing smoke in the distance and immediately requested a second alarm.
The second alarm brought mutual aid from Gang Mills, Lindley and Painted Post were next to be dispatched to the fire at 1896 Ginnan Road in the Town of Caton, NY. Later additional fire crews from Big flats, Golden Glow, Pine City, Town & Country, as well as Webbs Mills would also respond to assist with the growing fire.
Later a tanker from Lawrenceville Fire Department out of Tioga County, PA, was requested to the house fire around 11:39 AM.
Fire personnel arrived on scene around 10:30 AM and reported that flames were showing from a two-story wooden framed home. Around 10:35 AM the fire broke through the couple’s roof. Heavy flames were reported at that time as the home was consumed by the fire.
The home was built in 1993 and it was a total loss. The American Red Cross was notified so the couple could receive some much needed assistance after losing their home on New Year’s Day.
At this time, FNN does not have the name of the couple nor is it known where they are staying at this time. If FNN receives additional information it will be added to this article. If anyone knows of any fundraisers or donation drop-off locations to assist this couple, please share that information with us either on our FIRST News Now PA Facebook page or email the information along with contact information to firstnewsnow1@gmail.com. (Do not forget the 1 in the email address).
