Fire Tears Through Choconut Market in Friendsville

A fast-moving early-morning fire ripped through an iconic Susquehanna County business.

The blaze at the Choconut Market at 26555 State Route 267 in Friendsville was reported shortly after 5:30 a.m. Sunday.

Multiple explosions were heard before the first firefighters arrived at the scene, which is located just south of Quaker Lake Road.

Silver Lake, Forest Lake and Little Meadows fire departments initially battled the blaze. When a second alarm was sounded a short time later, firefighters from Apalachin and Vestal were sent to assist. The Hallstead and Kirkwood fire departments also assisted.

Two apartments were located above the business. Reports from the scene indicated everyone was able to get out of the building.

Fire department tankers were refilled at a nearby pond owned by Repsol Oil and Gas.

Route 267 was closed between Hawleyton Road and Stanley Lake Road during firefighting operations.

The main fire was reported knocked down shortly after 7 a.m. but firefighters continued to extinguish several hotspots.

The Choconut Market has been a fixture in Friendsville for decades. The business was renovated recently after it was acquired by new owners.

A convenience store known as ASP Expressway and a Citgo gas station were part of the operation. Bella's Deli offered an extensive menu of food. A tobacco and vape shop also was located to the side of the main building.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.