SOUTH WAVERLY, Pa. (WETM) – Multiple fire departments responded to a serious fire that broke out at a restaurant in South Waverly Tuesday, leaving the building in a pile of rubble before the night was over.
The fire at Reese’s restaurant was first reported just after 7 p.m., according to the Bradford County Department of Public Safety. Footage from the scene showed smoke coming from the roof and firefighters on the second floor of the building.
Just over an hour later, around 8:45 p.m., a reporter on scene said the blaze had grown considerably, with smoke almost completely blocking the building from view and flames reaching far above the roof.
Public Safety said that South Waverly Fire, Sayre VFD, Athens Borough, Athens Township, and Waverly-Barton all responded to the blaze. North Towanda and Towanda Volunteer also responded as the fire grew.
The department said that though crews used multiple techniques to beat back the flames, the fire only grew. DPS then responded with a rehab trailer and drone team to help Greater Valley EMS, and police responded to help secure the scene.
DPS said the blaze consumed the restaurant and attached apartment. Details on the cause or of any injuries are limited.
However, “firefighters were blessed by an outpouring of community support,” DPS said. These included food donations from multiple nearby restaurants. “Our heartfelt prayers to the Reese family and the employees of the beloved, iconic community staple.”
DPS said these additional agencies also got involved in the effort to fight the blaze:
- American Red Cross
- Valley Energy
- Pennelec
- Austin Excavating
- Canton FD – Cover up North Towanda
- Ridgebury FD – Cover up Sayre
- Southport FD – Cover up Athens
- Chemung FD – Cover up Athens
Flames show through the smoke at Reese’s in South Waverly, Nov. 8, 2022 
The fire at Reese’s around 8:45 p.m., Nov. 8, 2022 
The fire at Reese’s around 8:45 p.m., Nov. 8, 2022 
Fire at Reese’s around 7:30 p.m., Nov. 8, 2022 
Fire at Reese’s around 7:30 p.m., Nov. 8, 2022 
Fire at Reese’s around 7:30 p.m., Nov. 8, 2022 
Fire at Reese’s around 7:30 p.m., Nov. 8, 2022
As of Wednesday, November 9th, crews have completely torn down the restaurant. An attached apartment was also torn down immediately following the fire.
More details will be provided as information becomes available.
