Syracuse, NY- On June 19, 2023, at 5:31 p.m., Syracuse Firefighters were alerted by the Onondaga County 911 Center to a reported fire at 1114 S. Geddes Street. Firefighters from Station 5, on N. Geddes Street arrived on the scene less than two minutes later to find a two-and-a-half story, two-family home with heavy smoke coming from the second floor and attic. A signal ‘99’ was transmitted and companies immediately went to work.
As teams of firefighters began stretching hoses into the building, others received reports that everyone had safely evacuated prior to fire department arrival. However, other teams of firefighters still entered to search for potentially trapped victims, as well as to assist in locating the fire. It was determined that the attic of the building was where the bulk of the fire was located. As crews made their way to the attic, other teams searching were able to confirm that there were no trapped occupants.
At the top of the attic stairs, hose crews encountered extreme heat and heavy smoke. Despite a valiant effort, they were forced to exit the building and fight the fire from the exterior. The transition to a defensive operation was made and all personnel were accounted for. Crews utilized elevated streams from engines to knock down the bulk of the fire from the exterior. The home next door, at 1112 S. Geddes St., was threatened by spreading flames at one point, however firefighters successfully prevented any further spread. Firefighters then transitioned back to an interior operation to finish extinguishment. The fire was declared out after approximately 80 minutes.
A total of nine occupants, three from 1114 S. Geddes St., and six from 1112 S. Geddes St., were displaced by this fire. 1114 S. Geddes St. sustained extensive fire, water, and smoke damage. 1112 S. Geddes St. sustained water damage during the efforts to prevent fire spread. All occupants were being assisted by the American Red Cross. Syracuse Fire investigators were on scene working to determine the origin and cause of the fire. There were no reported injuries to civilians. One firefighter suffered minor burns during the initial fire attack. They were transported to a local hospital for evaluation. Their injuries are not considered serious.
A total of 42 fire personnel responded to this fire, 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
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