ATHENS — A fast-moving fire tore through Stella’s Pizzeria II in Athens on Sunday evening.
Stella’s confirmed the loss in a statement Sunday evening.
“Unfortunately we are sad to say that we lost Stella’s in Athens tonight due to a fire. Thanks for all our clientele who help support us, we are so sorry,” according to the statement.
At about 6:33 p.m. Greene County 911 sent Athens, West Athens, Catskill and Coxsackie fire companies to 6 S. Water St. in Athens after receiving reports that the building was on fire.
The caller told 911 the building was not occupied. Stella’s closes at 1 p.m. on Sundays, according to the restaurant’s website.
Arriving firefighters reported the building was fully involved and flames were coming through the roof.
Greene County Paramedics and Catskill Ambulance, who were already on the scene, treated several firefighters. The nature of any possible injuries is unknown at this time.
Water Street, 2nd Street, and 3rd Street in the area of the fire were closed to motorists and pedestrians.
The Hudson Fire Department was requested to the scene and Leeds Fire Company was placed on standby.
Central Hudson Gas and Electric responded to disconnect power to the building.
The Hudson River was used as a backup water source.
Fire officials reported the fire was extinguished at about 7:40 p.m. and they would begin checking the rest of the building to make sure the fire was out.
The Greene County Fire Investigation Team is looking into the cause.