NORWICH - On Saturday, several fire department responded to an emergency call involving a commercial building fire just south of the Walmart intersection.

At 6:12 p.m., on Dec. 27, the Norwich Fire Department responded to a structure fire located at 102 Gilmore Lane in the Town of Norwich, a small road just off of State Highway 12.

City of Norwich Fire Chief Jan Papelino said crews were on scene within four minutes of the 911 call. He said the building was an unoccupied commercial building that was formerly a liquor-wine store and the other half of the building was being used as a woodworking shop.

"That was where the fire started, in the woodworking shop and it appeared to be electrical," said Papelino. "It looks like it will be a total loss.”

He said there was extensive fire, smoke and water damage throughout the building.

Responding units attacked the fire's source, and did search and exposure control. The bulk of the fire was under control within 35 minutes of the first arriving units.

Papelino noted a portion of State Highway 12 was shut down to accommodate the emergency vehicles. He said usage of nearby hydrants ensured firefighters remained safe while operating. The Preston Fire Department stood by at Norwich Station to handle any calls within the city.

Fire units, including NFD Truck 230 was first on scene and found the building heavily engulfed in flames and smoke. Engine 233 and Ambulance 2394 arrived about a minute later and began the fire attack.

Papelino said there were additional Norwich trucks used including Tanker 236 and Truck 2237 and Engine 232 that also assisted in combating the fire.

Oxford, North Norwich and Sherburne Fire Departments (Rapid Intervention Team)  assisted the Norwich Fire Department, along with Chenango County Office of Emergency Services (OES), NYSEG, City of Norwich Water Department, Chenango County Sheriff's Office and New York State Department of Transportation.

Investigation into the cause of the fire has been ruled accidental and 'electrical' in nature. The investigation was concluded by City of Norwich Fire Investigations, County OES Fire Investigators, and Chenango County Sheriff's Office.

The Norwich Fire Department gave thanks to all agencies involved in the incident and also thanked the department's auxiliary/rehab for assistance in firefighter rehab.

There were no injuries reported to firefighters or residents during the fire.