Federal fish research facility in Cortlandville deemed total loss after fire

A second-alarm fire broke out Thursday evening at the Tunison Laboratory of Aquatic Science, a federal fish research facility in Cortlandville, drawing firefighters from multiple departments in Cortland and Tompkins counties. The laboratory, located at 3075 Gracie Road, is operated by the U.S. Geological Survey and is used for research involving fish and aquatic ecosystems. The facility can house tens of thousands of fish under controlled conditions, although it was not immediately clear how many were inside when the fire broke out. According to Cortlandville Fire Chief Mike Biviano, crews first arrived on scene around 5:25 p.m. He said workers at the facility had attempted to extinguish the blaze with fire extinguishers before calling 911. By the time tankers were able to make it down the long steep driveway, the fire had spread into the building’s roof. “The building s gonna be a total loss,” Biviano said. “The fire got up into the attic. There were no firestops throughout t