ROULETTE -ðA fire destroyed C&S Lumber Co. Inc. Monday night
but firefighters had to return to the scene Tuesday to douse hot
spots.

The cause of the blaze – which was initially reported at about
9:20 p.m. -ðis under investigation by the state police fire marshal
unit, according to Roulette Chemical Engine Co. Fire Chief Mike
Ingalls.

No one was injured.

Ingalls said that upon arrival, firefighters saw “heavy fire
starting to come out of the eaves,” when a “big gust of wind
grabbed it (the fire), and it took right off.”

A Port Allegany firefighter reportedly said he could see the
glow of the flames as his engine rounded the turn of U.S. Route 6
coming into Roulette.

A Star Hose Co. pumper drew water out of the Allegheny River
2027 feet away, and tankers from three companies shuttled water
from the nearest hydrant.

The 80-by-140 foot lumber mill, owned by John Caden of Roulette
and John Cherry of Eldred, was worth at least $500,000, “off the
cuff,” Caden told The Era Tuesday.

Not to be deterred by the fire, which Caden described as
“devastating,” he said he and his partner are going to build
another, bigger lumber mill in the same location as soon as
possible.

“You see your livelihood flashing in front of you,” Caden said
of his reaction. “We have 26 employees -ðgood employees – who are
trying to raise families. I just hope I don’t lose them through
this.”

Caden said the lumber mill has been operating at its Roulette
location, 398 Main St., for eight years.

He said two neighbors of the lumber mill, Scott Davenport and
Wade Kio, were among the first on scene and actually entered the
burning building to retrieve three new pieces of equipment owned by
Caden and Cherry.

Caden expressed gratitude toward his neighbors and the
responding fire departments Tuesday.

There were 30 to 40 firefighters on scene with 10 pieces of
equipment until 4 a.m. Fire crews returned to the scene twice on
Tuesday -ðat 7 a.m. and again at 1 p.m. -ðresponding to reported of
the fire rekindling.

“The bark and sawdust” keep rekindling, Ingalls said.

The Roulette fire department was assisted at the scene by
Coudersport, Star Hose Engine (Port Allegany) and Eldred fire
departments. Smethport Fire Department stood by for star Hose,
Shinglehouse stood by for Eldred and Galeton stood by for
Coudersport. A tanker from the Smethport department was utilized at
the scene, as well.