SYRACUSE, N.Y. – On Sunday, June 30, 2024, at 11:12 a.m., Syracuse Firefighters were alerted by the Onondaga County 911 Center to a reported structure fire at 728 Park Avenue. Multiple calls reported heavy fire coming from a two-and-a-half-story, two-family house. Smoke could be seen from blocks away as crews raced to the scene. Firefighters from Station 5, On North Geddes St., were the first to arrive just over one-and-a-half minutes later. The first arriving crews reported heavy smoke and a large volume of fire showing from the second floor near the rear of the building. A signal ‘99’ was transmitted, indicating a working fire.
Crews began to stretch hoses into the building while teams of firefighters began methodical searches for anyone trapped. As they made their way inside, and up the stairs to the second floor, they were met with high heat and blinding smoke. Crews moved through the building toward the rear, locating the fire and beginning to flow water to douse the flames. Search teams confirmed no occupants were inside, all searches were negative. As the fire in the kitchen was brought under control, firefighters found the fire had spread to the rear stairwell and attic. Again, crews moved hose lines into place and extinguished the flames. A hole was cut in the roof to help release smoke and hot gases trapped in the building. As the operation wore on, additional fire companies from across the city were called to the scene to assist with fire suppression efforts.
The fire was brought under control after approximately 30 minutes and declared out after approximately 60 minutes. Firefighters remained at the scene for more than four hours, checking for hot spots, clearing smoke from the building, and assisting investigators. The building sustained fire, smoke, and water damage, with the worst of the damage being on the second floor. At least two residents were displaced by this fire. They are being assisted by the Red Cross. Syracuse Fire Investigators have determined the fire began in a second-floor kitchen. The cause is under investigation. There were no injuries reported to civilians or to Fire Department personnel.
A total of 47 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