PENNELLVILLE, OSWEGO CO. -- Nearly seven days after fire engulfed an Oswego County farm, flames were still raging in two silos. But thanks to the tireless work of local firefighters and a group of Mennonites, things are finally under control.
Tumbling down in a plume of smoke, friends, family and firefighters and firefighters watch on as the silos came crashing down. It's been nearly a week since flames broke out at the Oswego County farm, gutting four barns, destroying three tractors and killing 15 cattle. "Whirlwind, exhausting whirlwind," said Mary Ellen Chesbro. "Fantastic community support, fireman unbelievable. These guys didn't get sleep for days," Chesbro said.
It's taken massive manpower, a constant fire force and some creative thinking to get things under control at the Chesbro family farm. The silos were still burning Tuesday morning, so Mary Ellen Chesbro turned to a group of Mennonites from the Albany-area. Swing by swing, they went to work, pounding away. "It's three of these Mennonite gentleman that came out with sledge hammer in hand. The first one went down, best case scenario for it to fall completely down perfect," Chesbro said.
The second silo was still standing, but not for long. And in the midst of our interview, the second one came crashing down. "Oh, there it goes. Yes. Nice. Nicely done," Chesbro said. Now, the clean-up beings as the Chesbro's try to move forward. They're grateful for those firefighters who went above and beyond and for complete strangers who stopped by to lend a hand. "That was the biggest surprise. People I've never even met are really coming out of the woodwork and helping us," Chesbro said.
It will certainly take take, but the Chesbro's plan to rebuild. And despite losing so much, they're grateful to have each other. And as they pick up the pieces and start again, they'll be leaning on one another.
