Flames consumed most of the building, described as a cottage by fire department officials. Hugo Clearwater, the owner of the building, said the structure was for auxiliary use only, as it did not have insulation, heat or water, though it did have electricity.
Two Paul Smith's College students, who work in the area, lost belongings in the fire, which consumed the second floor bunk rooms where they had been staying. Clearwater estimated that the cabin had about 1,100 square feet of space.
Saranac Lake Volunteeer Fire Department officials said a problem with the cottage's electrical system probably caused the fire.
One member of the Saranac Lake Volunteeer Fire Department suffered heat exhaustion from fighting the blaze. He was treated at Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake and released.
Thirty-one Saranac Lake firefighters and five trucks were at the scene from 12:02 to 5 p.m. Members used about 20,000 gallons of water.
Volunteers from Tupper Lake and Paul Smiths/Gabriels fire departments also responded to the scene, and the Lake Placid Volunteer Fire Department stood by at the Saranac Lake firehouse. The Tupper Lake Volunteer fire department responded with three trucks and 37 members and used 7,000 gallons of water.
