Syracuse, NY- On July 6, 2023, at 8:05 p.m., Syracuse Firefighters were alerted by the Onondaga County 911 Center to a reported structure fire at 123 West Corning Ave., on the City’s South Side. Firefighters from Station 18, on Midland Ave., arrived on the scene moments later to find a two-and-a-half story home with smoke and fire blowing from windows on the second floor on the side of the home. The fire was threatening to extend to the attic. A signal ‘99’ was transmitted, and firefighters began the task of extinguishing the fire.
Firefighters from Engine 18 stretched hoses to the second floor to combat the main body of the fire, while additional arriving units searched for trapped victims. The main body of the fire was knocked down and firefighters making their way to the attic were able to stop the vertical spread. A hole was cut in the roof of the structure to vent smoke and hot gases. All searches were negative, the sole occupant who was home at the time of the fire was able to escape prior to fire department arrival.
Fighting a structure fire under even the most optimal conditions is a labor intensive, exhausting task. Due to the high heat and humidity at the time of the fire, additional fire companies, including the Fire Department Bus, were called to the scene to help with the workload, and allow companies a place to cool down and rehydrate. Three firefighters were treated at the scene for symptoms related to heat exhaustion. All were evaluated and were able to return to work at the fire scene. No civilian injuries were reported.
The home sustained significant fire, smoke, and water damage on the second floor, and smoke and water damage throughout the rest of the structure. The fire took approximately 30 minutes to fully extinguish. Syracuse Fire Investigators were on the scene working to determine the origin and cause of the fire. At least one occupant was displaced by this fire, they were being assisted by the American Red Cross.
A total of 45 fire personnel, including command and support staff responded to this incident. 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 the 911 Center SPD, AMR, National Grid, and the Red Cross. This was the 42nd major structure fire in the City of Syracuse this year.