A caller reported seeing black smoke coming from a residence on East Main Street.
A first responder says the smoke is coming from the second floor of 318 E. Main St., Batavia.
A second alarm has been requested.
UPDATE 12:55 a.m.: On scene, whatever fire there was -- and there was clearly a fire -- was extinguished pretty quickly. Fire personnel were overheard saying the apartment where the fire was located was vacant, but questions about the fire were referred to Chief James Maxwell, who was not on scene. The building has six mailboxes. There was no evidence that any residents were home, and the open upper windows gave the appearance of vacant apartments or offices. Firefighters forced access into the doors of the front office, and upstairs spaces as well as the basement, to check for any additional fire. A few minutes ago, an investigator on scene (heard over the scanner) asked to speak to the original caller.
MORNING UPDATE: The fire caused an estimated $20,000 in damage. The fire was in the kitchen with extension up an interior wall. In this morning's press release, there is no mention of cause or origin. Confirmed, the building was vacant. The fire is under investigation by the police and fire departments.
