Syracuse, NY- On July 15, 2023, at 5:37 a.m., Syracuse Firefighters were alerted by the Onondaga County 911 Center to a reported structure fire in the 100 block of Beecher Street, on the City’s north side. Firefighters from Station 2, on Lodi Street, reported they could see smoke as they pulled out of the station to respond. They arrived on the scene moments later to find a single-story house at 116 Beecher Street with smoke and fire showing from the back of the home and spreading to the attic. A signal ‘99’ was transmitted, indicating a working structure fire.
As additional units arrived on the scene, firefighters began to stretch hoses from the engine to the rear of the home to put water on the fire. Additional teams of firefighters entered the home to search for trapped occupants and check for extension. All searches were negative; although the home was listed as vacant, there were also reports that people had been squatting at the structure. Flames had spread to the attic, and crews had to use tools to open ceilings to get at them. The fire was brought under control and declared out after approximately 20 minutes.
The fire started on the exterior of the rear of the home and spread to the inside. The exterior, first floor, and attic area all sustained smoke, fire, and water damage. The house is reported to be vacant. Syracuse Fire Investigators were on the scene working to determine the cause of the fire. There were no injuries reported to civilians or to Fire Department personnel. Although there were no displaced occupants, the Red Cross responded to the scene to provide water and hydration drinks for first responders.
A total of 35 personnel responded to this incident, including command and support staff. Syracuse Fire Department Ambulance, Syracuse Police, 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.