A Tuesday morning blaze believed to be caused by a gas heater destroyed the South Third Street home of a 99-year-old woman, but caused no injuries to her or anyone else.
The Olean Fire Department received a report at 6:16 a.m. of a structure fire at 129 S. Third St., finding the three-family residence engulfed with heavy smoke. Crews got the blaze under control by approximately 8:21 a.m., but it was not enough to save the house.
Olean Fire Chief Robert Bell said the house is a “total loss” and will likely have to be demolished. The home is owned by Barbara Fortay, according to Cattaraugus County property records. Bell said Fortay is 99 years old and lived in a downstairs apartment while renting the upstairs apartment to a male tenant. Another apartment in the back of the home was vacant.