Willing NY Fire: One dead, house a total loss

Eight local volunteer fire departments responded, NYSP still investigating

By Andrew Harris

Volunteers from southern Allegany County and Genesee, Pennsylvania raced to the Willing NY scene on mid-day Sunday January 18th. An old farmhouse on the Billings road was showing smoke initially and fully engulfed as crews arrived on the scene.

As photos from the scene indicate, the house was destroyed. Sadly, at least one person perished in the blaze according to authorities on the scene. NYS Police and fire investigators were still on the scene Monday and NYS Police spokesman Trooper James O’Callahan issued this statement to the Wellsville Sun:

“New York State police handled a residential house fire on Billings Hill Road in the Town of Willing. One fatality presumed to be a resident, but still under investigation on identity.”

After the fire was extinguished

From the Whitesville Volunteer Fire Department

At 2:14 PM on January 18, 2026, the Whitesville Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched as mutual aid to the Town of Willing for a reported structure fire with smoke showing.

Responding from Whitesville were:

50 – Todd Sherman

501- Josh Kear

W1 – Jamie Lewis

W2 – Denny Erdmann

15 additional personnel

Crews assisted on scene with fire suppression and support operations alongside mutual aid departments. All Whitesville units returned to service when released from the scene.

We appreciate the strong teamwork between departments and the dedication of our members who answered the call.

From the Willing Volunteer Hose Company:

On 1/18/2026 at 2:14 pm Willing Vol. Hose Co was toned out for a Structure Fire on Billings Hill Rd in the Town of Willing. We would like to say thank you to all of our mutual aid departments for their help.