Six Departments Operate at Walton Commercial Building Fire

A Walton police officer reporting smoke and fire from the rear of a West Street commercial building prompted a multi-department response that would keep approximately 40 firefighters operating for several hours.

Walton Fire Department was the first-due department and was dispatched at 8:37 a.m. for the working structure fire. The initial report was followed by additional calls from motorists and residents reporting fire behind Packin’ Heat Bar & Grill. The fire was reported to be traveling up an exterior wall and into the eaves.

The incident occurred on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at the commercial complex at 38 West Street in Walton, New York. Walton crews established a water supply and had water flowing on the fire by approximately 8:47 a.m.

As fire extended into the attic and traveled through the commercial structure, command requested mutual aid. Firefighters and apparatus from the Delhi, Downsville, Franklin, Masonville and Trout Creek fire departments responded to assist Walton crews.

The building housed Packin’ Heat Bar & Grill, Walton Dental, Coughlin & Gerhart Attorneys at Law and a smoke shop. Fire spread through the attic space above the businesses, and crews transitioned to exterior operations because of concerns regarding the roof trusses. By approximately 9:09 a.m., portions of the roof had begun to collapse.

Fire investigators were requested shortly before 9:30 a.m. as suppression operations continued. Approximately 40 firefighters operated at the incident for several hours, with mutual-aid companies beginning to return to their respective stations around noon. Sidney Fire Department provided coverage for the Masonville and Trout Creek districts, while Bloomville Fire Department covered the Delhi district.

Walton command was terminated at approximately 1:30 p.m. after more than five hours of operations. The commercial complex was declared a total loss, with damage estimated at more than $1 million. No injuries were reported among firefighters or civilians.

Walton firefighters returned to the property at approximately 9:30 p.m. to wet down remaining hot spots.

Additional support during the incident was provided by Walton EMS, the Walton Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, NYSEG, Delaware County Emergency Management, Delaware County Fire Investigators, the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, Walton Police Department, Delaware County EMS and investigators from the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control.

Walton Police remained at the property for a separate investigation unrelated to the fire. The remaining portions of the fire building were secured following the incident.

The cause of the fire remained under investigation by the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control Fire Investigation Bureau.