LOCKPORT, N.Y. — Two families are left to pack up their lives after a fire in Lockport Sunday.
According to South Lockport Fire Chief Derek Caldwell, the fire is believed to have started in an attached structure, possibly a garage or shed.
The fire spread to what was Mark Barbaro's home on Royal Parkway North and then to Sheryl Roth's home next door.
On Tuesday, Roth was allowed to go inside her home and salvage what she could.
"It's difficult to have to relive it," said Roth.
Chief Caldwell said the flames spread quickly and one firefighter initially responded to the scene, followed by two New York State Troopers who showed up to help. Shortly after, another South Lockport fire truck arrived on the scene along with mutual aid.
"The state troopers were pounding on the door and they got my dog and my birds out," said Roth.
"Is it typical to only have one firefighter responding in that case?" asked 2 On Your Side's Rob Hackford.
"Depending on the time of day and what day of the week it is, we are volunteers so everyone has jobs, being on a Sunday we had a pretty good response," said Chief Caldwell.
He went on to note the challenge of having fewer volunteer firefighters, something Chief Caldwell called a losing situation for all.
"Trying to do the best we can with what we have, manpower and all," said Chief Caldwell. "I would just challenge the public to look into it, see how we operate. See what it's like, see what it's worth, and seriously consider joining to see what the other side of it is."
As investigators work to determine the cause of the fire, Roth is getting support from her family and trying to figure out what's next.
"It's like too early to tell but right now it's just processing, it's very overwhelming," said Roth.
Both the Roth and Barbaro families are working through insurance and GoFundMe pages have been set up to assist them moving forward.
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