Late on the morning of December 9 in Rome, New York, the quiet hum of daily life was shattered when a fierce fire ripped through the Countryside Apartments on Rome-Oriskany Road. In the wake of the devastating blaze, authorities have confirmed the heartbreaking identities of the two people who lost their lives: 76-year-old Christine M. Teuscher and 61-year-old Gary J. Weidmann.
Residents first noticed smoke and flames around 4:30 a.m., prompting frantic calls to emergency services. Fire crews from Rome and several neighboring districts rushed to the scene, battling a fire that spread through the two-story building in brutally freezing temperatures. With wind chills plunging well below zero and water freezing on contact, firefighters called in extra tankers from Oriskany, Westmoreland, Floyd and Stanwix Heights to help keep hoses flowing.
Inside the complex, the scene was harrowing. Dozens of residents were awakened and forced to flee with little more than the clothes on their backs as smoke and heat surged through hallways. Roughly 20 people were displaced by the fire — including families and individuals who now face an uncertain holiday season without shelter.
Deputies and first responders found one victim, later identified as Gary J. Weidmann, deceased inside his apartment early in the response. A second person, Christine M. Teuscher, was discovered outside the building suffering from severe burns and rushed to hospitals in Utica, first to Wynn Hospital and then to Upstate University Hospital. Despite intensive care, she succumbed to her injuries the following day, officials announced.
The collapse of the badly charred structure forced crews to demolish what remained that very evening so investigators could work safely. With the cause of the fire still under investigation by the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office and the state Office of Fire Prevention and Control, officials say it may be days or weeks before answers emerge.
In the meantime, the community has rallied around those left in the fire’s wake. The American Red Cross opened a warming center at St. Peter’s Church in Rome to shelter about 15 residents, providing temporary housing, emotional support and assistance in replacing lost medications. Local volunteers, including the McConnellsville Volunteer Fire Department and the Mohawk Valley Community Action Agency, organized drives for clothing, household goods and other essentials to help survivors get back on their feet.
For friends and neighbors, the shock of losing Teuscher and Weidmann — longtime members of their community — has cut deep. Candlelight vigils and heartfelt social media tributes have filled streets and timelines alike, as people share stories of kindness, laughter and lives abruptly cut short. As the investigation continues, many are holding tight to memories, offering support where they can, and praying for healing in a town still reeling from this sudden winter tragedy.
Here are relevant pictures for the article online:
Images of the Countryside Apartments fire scene and memorials — search online for Rome NY Countryside Apartments fire December 9 2025, Christine M. Teuscher, Gary J. Weidmann photos.
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