Syracuse, NY- On Saturday, October 28, 2023, at 11:29 a.m., Syracuse Firefighters were alerted by the Onondaga County 911 Center to a report of a house on fire at 1412 Butternut Street. Firefighters from Station 2, on Lodi Street, arrived on the scene moments later to find smoke and fire coming from an attic window in the front of the two-and-a-half-story building. A signal ‘99’, indicating a working fire, was transmitted.
As teams of firefighters stretched hoses into the home, other teams prepared to search for any trapped victims. There were initial reports that someone was possibly trapped in a second-floor apartment. Firefighters began systematic searches of the building, while the hose teams made their way to the attic. Teams were able to confirm that everyone had escaped the fire, no victims were found. Early in the operation, flames and heat from the fire threatened to spread to a neighboring home. An additional Engine company responded to the scene to help prevent the fire from spreading. In the attic, hose teams battled hot, smoky conditions to bring the fire under control. Crews recognized signs that fire may be spreading inside the walls of the building, and an extensive overhaul operation--tearing open walls and ceilings to find hidden flames, was initiated. Eventually, firefighters were able to confirm no further fire spread, and after approximately 30 minutes the fire was declared out.
Syracuse Fire Investigators were on the scene working to determine the cause and pinpoint the origin of the fire. Both are still under investigation. The home suffered heavy fire damage to the attic area, as well as smoke and water damage throughout. The building contained three apartments, one on the first floor, and two on the second. At least 6 people were displaced by this fire. They are being assisted by the Red Cross. There were no injuries reported to civilians, or to firefighters.
A total of 38 fire department 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.