GREENE – While most area residents were sitting down to enjoy their traditional Thanksgiving feasts, volunteers from seven local fire companies were battling a blaze in Greene’s downtown business district.

Emergency responders were alerted of the structure fire by a 911 call placed shortly before 2 p.m., reported Greene Fire Chief Dan Montgomery. When they arrived, they found the back of Foo Chow Restaurant (46 Genesee St.) and Thomas Real Estate (50 Genesee St.) in flames.

While the investigation is ongoing, First Assistant Chief Mark Colwell said the fire is believed to have originated in a portion of the slope-roofed addition which runs along the back of the commercial block owned by Foo Chow.