When a Port Byron home caught fire Wednesday night, the damage was minimal. But a second round of fire brought destruction.

The fire quashed by firefighters re-ignited by Thursday morning and burned down 1179 Updike Road. Fire officials believe that embers may have been buried into the house's insulation, leading to the second fire that destroyed the structure.

Firefighters first responded to the home around 10:11 p.m. Wednesday because of radiant heat from a chimney pipe that ignited adjacent insulation and wood, Port Byron Chief Corey Rooker said.

The fire appeared to be quelled after firefighters spent an hour and a half Wednesday night at the home and checked for residual heat and flame with thermal imaging cameras, Rooker said.

“Somehow or other there were buried embers in there,” Rooker said. “The second time it was a total loss.”

“(Thursday) morning was the very worst of the fire,” Rooker added.

Firefighters responded to the Updike Road residence a second time around 6:30 a.m. “It was a long night,” Rooker said.

No one was injured in the fire. Three volunteers with the Cayuga County Red Cross chapter went to the fire scene Thursday morning and provided homeowner Russ Bergner and his daughter, Michelle, with clothing and food, said Christopher Molloy, director of emergency services.

The Bergners have an alternative place to stay, Molloy said.

In addition to the Port Byron Fire Department, the Aurelius, Cato, Jordan, Montezuma, Sennett, Throop and Weedsport fire departments responded. The Elbridge Fire Department was on standby.

The large number of fire departments were present because of the short manpower in the daylight hours, Rooker said.

Staff writer Amaris Elliott-Engel can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 282 or at amaris.elliot-engel@lee.net