Fire in Riverdale Drive Apartment Building

Syracuse, NY- On August 5, 2023, at 7:43 p.m., Syracuse Firefighters were alerted by the Onondaga County 911 Center to a reported fire in the 100 block of Riverdale Drive, in the Valley. Firefighters from Station 18 on Midland Ave. arrived on the scene at 103 Riverdale Drive moments later and reported a signal ‘99’ in the two-and-a-half story wood frame dwelling. Heavy smoke was noted coming from the windows on the front and side of the building.  

 

The crew from Engine 18 began stretching a hose into the building as additional arriving units began searches for trapped victims and brought in additional hoses. All searches were negative. Several occupants were able to escape prior to the Fire Department’s arrival. The fire was quickly located in a first-floor apartment. Through an aggressive interior attack, firefighters were able to limit most of the damage to the apartment of origin, which sustained smoke, fire, and water damage. Other apartments in the building sustained smoke and water damage. The American Red Cross was on the scene assisting displaced occupants.

 

The fire was brought under control and declared out after approximately 20 minutes. Crews remained on scene ensuring there was no extension and clearing the building of smoke and other products of combustion for more than an hour. 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 to Firefighters.

 

A total of 38 fire personnel responded to this incident, including command and support staff. Syracuse Fire Department Ambulance, Syracuse Police, American Medical Response, National Grid, 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.