Syracuse Firefighter Injured in Park Street Blaze

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – On March 20, 2023, at 6:04 p.m., Syracuse Fire units were dispatched by the Onondaga County 911 center to a reported fire at 343 Park Street. Firefighters from Station 9 (Shuart Ave.) arrived on the scene in just over two minutes and reported that there was heavy smoke coming from the eaves of a 1½ story, 2-family house. Additional arriving units reported heavy flames coming from the side of the structure. A signal 99, indicating a working structure fire, was transmitted.

Firefighters dragged hoses into the house to fight the flames. There was no information on whether anyone was home when units arrived, so teams of firefighters began searching for potential victims. The bulk of the fire was brought under control quickly, in less than 20 minutes, despite the thick smoke and high temperatures that firefighters encountered. Fire companies then began the systematic process of checking for extension hidden in the walls and ceilings of the home. Firefighters also cut a hole in the roof, to release trapped smoke and gases, and help prevent the further spread of the fire. The fire was declared out after approximately 30 minutes, though firefighters remained on scene for an additional 2.5 hours performing salvage and overhaul operations.

One firefighter was injured during the operation. After taking part in the initial fire attack, he was transported to a local hospital by Syracuse Fire Department Ambulance, for evaluation. He is expected to be released later this evening. No civilian injuries were reported.

Syracuse Fire investigators were on the scene working to determine the area of origin and the cause of the fire. The house at 343 Park Street suffered extensive fire, smoke, and water damage. The house next door was also damaged by the radiant heat of flames that erupted from the side of the building.

In total, 45 Fire Department personnel responded to this fire, including Command and support staff. Syracuse Police, National Grid, American Medical Response, and the American Red Cross also responded. We thank our partners at the 911 center, Syracuse Police, AMR, National Grid, and the Red Cross.