Nelson made the short trek to the Falconer Vacuum Shop for the past 45 years. In addition to the business, he owned the building it was located in at 15 W. Main St.

Nelson’s routine, however, has likely been disrupted permanently following a fire Sunday that heavily damaged his building.

“I don’t know what I’m going to do now,” Nelson told The Post-Journal. “I was very proud of my building.”

Chautauqua County fire investigators said Tuesday they could not determine the cause of the blaze, which broke out around 11:55 a.m. and brought in almost a dozen local fire departments. Investigators said the fire likely started in the building’s attic, and noted that the blaze didn’t appear to be suspicious.

Brian Nelson is pictured in November at the reopening of Roots Salon at 15 W. Main St. in the village of Falconer. The salon, as well as Nelson’s vacuum business, were heavily damaged in Sunday’s fire. Submitted photo

Nelson has been involved with the building in some form for decades. He started working at Falconer Hardware as a teenager in the 1970s, just two days after his 16th birthday.

“I have 48 years there,” Nelson said. “I’ve owned it for 30 years. Every day was a milestone; I loved my job.”

He had just been at the building at around 8 a.m. on Sunday morning to shovel and salt the property’s sidewalk. Nelson said he went back to his home nearby to shovel his driveway when he received a call from the a sheriff’s deputy telling him the building was on fire. When he arrived, he helped some of the tenants who lived in apartments above his business.

Nelson said many of the tenants weren’t home at the time of the fire.

However, one family had to be rescued from the front of the property with the help of a ladder truck. “I commend the Falconer Fire Department,” Nelson said.

Nelson said he is thankful for the efforts of local firefighters, community members, business owners and others who have helped out. He said he is thankful for the efforts going on to help those who have been displaced, especially the help provided by the Red Cross and the Salvation Army.

“I want the public to know I am thankful and grateful for all the help,” he said.

The Chautauqua County Fire Investigation Team said it interviewed witnesses and tenants of the property shortly after the fire was reported, and was assisted during its “hands-on investigation” by members of the Falconer Fire Department at the time of the blaze.

Due to the amount of damage — as well as threat of a collapse — fire investigators were unable to get inside.

“Due to the dangerous conditions, the team had to rule the fire as undetermined, but nothing suspicious,” the county fire investigation team said in a press release.

Nelson said after conferring with his insurance company, the decision was made to demolish the building. However, Nelson said he isn’t going anywhere and plans to remain part of the Falconer community.

“I’ve been here a long time,” he said.

Nelson said demolition of the building should begin this morning, and noted that the debris will be removed as soon as possible.

Nelson said he felt sorry for the owner and employees of Roots Salon, who were forced to move following a fire in March last year. Nelson divided up the Vacuum Shop to make room for a brand new salon in his building.

The salon had just reopened in its new location a few months ago.

Roots Salon posted a message on its Facebook page shortly after the fire, asking for prayers and patience.

“Unlike last time, we have lost everything including records, which include phone numbers, etc.,” the post read. “I’m encouraging everyone to share our posts and follow our page for updates. We all need your support AGAIN, and know that you will help us through this yet AGAIN. I will keep everyone as informed as I can.”

At the time of the message, two stylists began working a Penny’s Less Salon in Falconer.

“As for the rest of us, please give us this week at least to weigh our options, wrap our heads around this and make a plan,” Roots said in its message. “We all thank you from the bottom of hearts.”

The local chapter of the Red Cross said Tuesday it was continuing to assist 16 people displaced by Sunday’s blaze. The organization said it was issuing referrals as well as directing families to groups that have been collecting non-perishable food items and clothing. The Kennedy Methodist Church has been accepting kids clothing and food; the Eastside Fellowship Center has been collecting clothing and other items.