BY STACI WILSON
Flames tear through the upper front of a historic Lake Avenue, Montrose home Monday afternoon after firefighters were forced to evacuate the structure. STAFF PHOTO/STACI WILSON
Fire destroyed a historic Montrose home Monday afternoon. Reports indicate the cause of the blaze is under investigation but not considered suspicious.
Homeowner Sarah Bertsch, age 91, and a caretaker made it safely out of the home.
The stately Lake Avenue residence was built in the 1850s. Bertsch has lived there for over 50 years.
Firemen were called to the scene at about 2:30 p.m. A call to evacuate firefighters from the structure came before 4 p.m.
Area firefighters responded in force with equipment and extra personnel.
The house is located near United Fire Company’s hall. In addition to United, Montrose EMS, Meshoppen Fire, Hallstead Fire, Rush Fire, New Milford Fire, Snake Creek Fire, Forest Lake Fire, Vestal Fire, Springville Fire, Elk Lake, Clifford Fire, Triton Fire, Silver Lake Fire, Harford EMS, Greater Valley EMS were also on hand.
Meshoppen Vol. Fire Co. utilized its 100-foot ladder to allow fire fighters to cut through the upper walls at the front of the Montrose home Monday afternoon. STAFF PHOTO/STACI WILSON
LeRaysville was placed on stand by at the Rush station and Lake Carey was on stand by at Springville.
At about 9 p.m., Wilmont Fire out of Bradford County and William Walker Fire and Fleetville Fire, both from Lackawanna County, were dispatched to the scene.
After the fire was knocked out, crews were still on the scene Tuesday morning.
According to Betty Smith, curator of the Susquehanna County Historical Society, the home was built circa 1850 and was originally two stories high. The cross-gabled Italianate third story was added later. The first occupant was a prominent Montrose merchant, William J. Mulford.
The house remained in the Mulford family until 1901 when it was purchased by George C. Comstock. A substantial shingle style addition was built at that time.
The house is located in the Historic District of Montrose.
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