Firefighters arrive at 303 W. Third St. Photo by Eric Tichy

Jamestown officials are extending their appreciation to the individuals and organizations who responded to the fire Monday at the High-Rise Apartment Building on West 5th Street. City officials extended their condolences to the family of the individual who lost their life as a result of the fire.

Facing the challenges inherent in combating a fire within a high-rise structure, the coordinated efforts of the Jamestown Fire Department, Jamestown Police Department, New York State Police, Town of Carroll Police Department, Town of Ellicott Police Department, Celoron Ambulance, Alstar Ambulance Service, Chautauqua County EMS, the American Red Cross, Jamestown Department of Development, and the Jamestown Housing Authority proved instrumental in ensuring the safety and well-being of the building’s residents.

Mayor Kimberly Ecklund was among those at the site for several hours Monday.

“Today, I stand in awe of the courageous heroes, who selflessly rescued over 90 individuals, swiftly contained the fire, and ensured the safety and well-being of both residents and fellow first responders alike. In addition, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Western New York Red Cross for their immediate response and unwavering support over the past 20 hours, assisting those displaced by the fire. We appreciate the work and dedication in providing housing for 30 residents last evening and hope to get some residents back into their apartments (Tuesday) and in the coming days. The outpouring of support from our community partners has been truly remarkable, and we are immensely grateful for their dedication and unwavering efforts. Together, we stand united in our commitment to the safety and resilience of our city. Your actions embody the spirit of Jamestown and show what our community is all about, and we thank you for all that you do.”

Monday’s fire was limited to one apartment, but smoke and water damage forced the temporary relocation of the apartment building’s residents. Those who did not go Monday with family and friends were taken to Fluvanna Community Church. Some were allowed back into their apartments Tuesday.

“Our response and subsequent sheltering operation related to the multi-unit fire at The Senior High Rise apartment complex Monday night underscores our commitment to the Jamestown and Chautauqua County communities,” said Nick Bond, CEO of the American Red Cross Western New York Region. “Data tells us that Jamestown and Chautauqua County experience a disproportionate rate of home fires in the area, and to make the community safer, we’ve designated Jamestown as our Signature City for our 2024 Sound the Alarm campaign in western New York. What happened last night is tragic, and the Red Cross is working hard to make Sound the Alarm a success and enhance the safety of the residents of Jamestown – and the community can help. We need volunteers willing to spend a few hours on Saturday, March 23, installing free smoke alarms in homes that lack working devices, especially for those residents who are unable to do this on their own. Those interested in helping make their friends and neighbors safer can visit www.Soundthealarm.org/wny and sign up to volunteer.”