ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) – Demolition has begun on Rochester’s Pullman Avenue, the site of Friday’s home explosion.
Rochester fire officials tell News 8 the homeowner is recovering in the hospital with severe burns.
Pullman Ave. home will be demolished after explosion injures homeowner
News 8’s Natalie Kucko spoke to the nonprofit overseeing rescue operations for the more than 30 cats displaced from Friday’s fire. Steven Drave, the group’s lead volunteer, says the property was used to care for stray and feral cats in the community.
Habitat For Cats NY is now working to secure those displaced animals, while the Rochester Fire Department works to determine a cause of the incident.
The explosion brought flames to two neighboring homes and nearby cars, shearing a gas line which produced free-flowing gas.
Fire officials say the homeowner escaped.
“Honestly, I was stunned. It took my breath away. It brought tears to my eyes, and I just had no words. Just stunned,” said Drave.
He says Habitat For Cats NY had been working with the homeowner since the summer. Drave described the efforts as a ‘labor of love’ by the man to care for cats in need in the neighborhood. Drave adds the cats would often arrive in very poor conditions.