Firefighters Called to Basement Fire on Barnes Ave
Published on December 16, 2024
Press Release:
Firefighters Called to Basement Fire on Barnes Ave.
Syracuse, NY- On Sunday, December 15, 2024 at 4:53 p.m., Syracuse Firefighters were alerted by the Onondaga County 911 Center to a report of smoke coming from the basement of 516 Barnes Ave. Firefighters from Station 18, on Midland Ave, arrived at the scene within four minutes and found a one-story raised ranch residence with smoke coming from windows on the front of the house in the basement area. The Engine 18 officer transmitted a signal ‘99’, indicating a working fire.
As teams of firefighters moved hoses into the structure, other teams of firefighters prepared to search the building. A locked door needed to be forced open to gain quick access to the fire. The fire was located in a basement bedroom and held to that room. All occupants were out of the structure when Fire Department units arrived. One occupant reentered the home as firefighters were stretching a hose through a side door. That team of firefighters was able to assist the occupant back out of the structure. Once an occupant evacuates a structure due to a fire they should remain outside. Fire grows rapidly, an occupant can quickly be overcome by the toxic gases in the smoke. The bulk of the fire was extinguished approximately 10 minutes after being dispatched. Crews were able to ensure there was no hidden fire or hot spots still burning and the fire was declared out approximately 20 minutes after being dispatched. Crews remained at the scene for an additional hour and forty-five minutes clearing smoke from the building, cleaning up, and assisting investigators.
The building is a single-family raised ranch home. The fire occurred in the basement. The home suffered fire, smoke, and water damage. This fire displaced eight occupants; they are being assisted by the Red Cross. Syracuse Fire Investigators have determined the fire started in a basement bedroom caused by an overloaded power tap. EMS personnel evaluated two occupants on the scene. One of them was transported to a local hospital by SFD Ambulance.
A total of 37 Fire Department Personnel responded to this incident, including command and support staff. 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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