Friday News Brief
Written by Pete Zehler on December 5, 2025
Preliminary Cause Released in Pike Road House Fire; Wood-Burning Furnace Blamed
Genesee County Emergency Management officials say a wood-burning furnace in the basement is the preliminary cause of Tuesday evening’s devastating fire on Pike Road, which destroyed the home of Andrew Young. Fire Coordinator Tim Yaeger says the basement involvement made the blaze extremely difficult to extinguish, with Town of Batavia and Alexander crews returning multiple times Wednesday as the fire rekindled. Tankers and a roadside hydrant were used during follow-up responses.
The initial alarm came in at 6:18 p.m. Tuesday, with firefighters arriving to heavy fire on the left side and roof of the home. A second and third alarm were activated as flames spread rapidly through the structure. Crews began with an interior attack before switching to exterior large-caliber streams. Smoke, fire, and water damage affected most of the home, though firefighters were able to salvage items in safe areas.
One firefighter suffered a minor injury. Multiple departments responded, battling the blaze for several hours in frigid temperatures. The fire rekindled Wednesday afternoon, prompting another large response from area departments. The investigation is ongoing.
HLOM Hosting Brass Quartet Holiday Concert December 5th
The Holland Land Office Museum will welcome back the Genesee Symphony Orchestra Brass Quartet for a holiday concert today at 7 p.m. Seating is limited. Admission is $5, or $3 for museum members. To reserve a spot, contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com
Christmas in the City Returns to Downtown Batavia December 6th
The Batavia Business Improvement District and the City of Batavia are bringing back their annual Christmas in the City celebration on Saturday, December 6th, from 2 to 6 p.m., with the Christmas Parade stepping off at 6. Families can enjoy a full afternoon of activities downtown, including a holiday scavenger hunt, ornament making, goat petting, horse and carriage rides, a hot cocoa bar, hair tinsel stations, and live music from the Brass Band.
New this year, the Batavia Concert Band will perform inside the mall, adding festive music to the celebration. Santa Claus will also make appearances throughout the afternoon and during the parade.
A Christmas Craft Show runs inside the mall from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., featuring handmade gifts and local vendors. Full event details and maps are available at BataviaBID.com and on the BID’s Facebook page.
Pembroke Shuts Off Town Park Water; Residents Directed to Batavia Fill Station
The Town of Pembroke has turned off water access at the Town Park due to the recent cold snap, and water filling at the Highway Garage is unavailable during construction. Residents may use the City of Batavia’s coin-operated Bulk Water Fill Station at 476 Lehigh Ave., costing about 50 cents per 75 gallons.
Pembroke officials report Water Districts 4 and 5 continue to move forward, with easements nearly complete and permits in progress. The Town expects to go out to bid in January.
Genesee County Girls Basketball from Thursday
Pembroke delivered a commanding performance Thursday night, defeating Barker 74–12 in non-league play. The Dragons controlled the game from start to finish, overwhelming Barker on both ends of the floor and showcasing the depth and speed that makes them a threat in Class C1. It was a strong early-season statement win for Pembroke as they look to build momentum heading into December.
