Jan 22, 2025
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) – As Ovid residents mourn all that was lost to Tuesday's massive fire on Main Street, one restaurant, a village staple, is standing hand in hand with the community as they pick up the pieces of what's left. "A lot of hugs last night - a lot of our customers hugged us and cried with us, and you know that that’s what I needed at that time right now," said Ron Carmona, co-owner of Italian Kitchen. "I don’t know. I’m more concerned about the people that lost everything because I went home last night to a warm bed in my house, and they have no place to go…so that’s my biggest concern right now." Ice blankets portions of Main Street in Ovid Wednesday afternoon in the aftermath of Tuesday's fire, which happened on one of the coldest nights of the year. 200+ people reportedly dealt with power outages as the historic fire tore through the village late Tuesday night. (WROC/Dan Gross.) WATCH: Massive Ovid fire caused by charging device The Carmona Family bought the Italian Kitchen five years ago. Tuesday night's fire left it completely destroyed. The family, beside themselves, grieve for their employees. "It was a good place, a beautiful place to be, my employees are the best workers in the world," Ron said. Multiple businesses were destroyed to the fire, which was sparked by a portable charging device above the Big M, according to authorities. From the village's large grocery store, a grassroots organization, a laundromat and the Italian Kitchen - the prominent commercial and residential part of this village now largely sits in ashes. The Carmona's told News 8 the fire started around 6 p.m. Tuesday. They noticed smoke coming out of the apartments. The couple got straight to work, bringing those who lived there into the restaurant, giving them food and shelter for the time being. However, five to six hours later, the fire continued to rip through the strip of businesses. "We thought it would not jump that gap, and when we saw the building next to us… we knew it was over," Ron said. This is the second time the Italian Kitchen has been destroyed by a fire. 11 years ago, under previous ownership, another block fire tore through the village. "It's just - it's horrible, and again, living miles away, you know, it's got to definitely impact me, but most importantly, I think there's a lot of people who live in town too that they don't have a driver's license and it's cold, and you know, where are they going to drive to get the groceries now," asked village resident Chris LoFaro. So much has been lost. The Ovid Federated Church is accepting donations at their food, pantry, and thrift store. They’re handing out food at the municipal hall for folks in need of help. News 8 also witnessed crews on scene Wednesday afternoon working on phone and Internet lines.
Respond, make new discussions, see other discussions and customize your news...

To add this website to your home screen:

1. Tap tutorialsPoint

2. Select 'Add to Home screen' or 'Install app'.

3. Follow the on-scrren instructions.

Feedback
FAQ
Privacy Policy
Terms of Service