Syracuse, NY-On May 20, 2023, at 12:48 a.m., Syracuse Fire units were alerted by the Onondaga County 911 Center to a structure fire at 210 Columbus Ave., on the City’s East Side. Firefighters from Station 10, on East Genesee Street, arrived on the scene in just over two minutes to find a fire rapidly engulfing the front of the two and a half story home there. A signal ‘99’ was transmitted and firefighters began an aggressive fire attack
Firefighters working in teams were able to extinguish a large amount of fire on the exterior of the building, before moving their hoses inside to cut off the fires spread. Other teams of firefighters entered the structure and began a search for trapped occupants. Complicating matters for firefighters working this scene were power lines that had burned off the home and were lying sparking, in the driveway.
A passerby had alerted the occupants of the structure to the fire and called 911. Thanks to their quick thinking, all the occupants were able to safely evacuate the building prior to the Fire Department’s arrival. The fire took approximately 30 minutes to bring under control, and crews remained on the scene for several hours washing down hotspots and ensuring there was no extension.
Syracuse Fire Investigators were on the scene working to determine the origin and cause of the fire. There were no injuries reported to civilians or fire personnel. The house sustained fire, smoke, and water damage to areas on the first and second floor, as well as the attic. Four occupants were displaced. The American Red Cross was on the scene working with the displaced occupants.
A total of 39 fire personnel responded to this scene, including command and support staff. Syracuse Fire Department Ambulance, Syracuse Police, National Grid, American Medical Response, and the American Red Cross also responded to the scene. We thank our partners at Onondaga County 911, SPD, AMR, National Grid, and the Red Cross.