BALDWINSVILLE — Just over a week after it closed for the season, the Tiki Bar at The Winds of Cold Springs Harbor Marina in Lysander was badly damaged in a fire the morning of Tuesday, Nov. 1.
According to the Seneca River Fire Department and Tiki Bar co-owner Kara Setrella, the fire started in the bar’s ice machine compressor. Setrella said they were able to retrieve surveillance video showing how the fire started.
“It still has structural integrity so we can rebuild — just everything in it is a loss,” Setrella told the Messenger. “We have insurance, but it’s obviously not going to cover nearly enough the damage.”
Setrella has owned the business with her father, Mark Bragman, for nearly 12 years.
Bragman’s 90-year-old mother was upstairs when the fire broke out. She escaped unharmed but was “very, very shaken,” according to a post Bragman wrote on The Winds’ Facebook page.
Along with Seneca River FD, firefighters from Baldwinsville, Solvay and Liverpool responded to the blaze around 10:46 a.m. Nov. 1. Bragman expressed his gratitude to the first responders in a Facebook post.
“Without you brave men and women willing to run into a burning building we would [have] lost the whole structure. We are truly grateful for your courage and willingness to put yourself in that situation. Thank you all so much,” he wrote.
The Tiki Bar’s employees — many of whom have worked there for years — have started a GoFundMe to help rebuild the bar.
“We will be open for next season on time,” Setrella said. “One way or another, people will come together.”
The boaters who frequent the marina have pledged to help as well.
“A lot of our boaters are certified in every area you can think of — from floors to electrical — so we’re going to have plenty of hands on deck to rebuild,” Setrella said.
Located on Hayes Road in the town of Lysander, The Winds of Cold Springs Harbor Marina is a full-service marina home to 58 dock slips, a fuel dock and inside and outside storage areas. Trained technicians are on site with a growing parts inventory. It boasts a hoisting capability to 25 tons.
During summer months, the Tiki Bar presents free live music performed by some of our area’s top rock and pop bands such as TrumpTight315, Hard Promises, Ménage A Soul and the Custom Taylor Band.
Russ Tarby contributed to this report.
