Syracuse, N.Y. – At 6:37 P.M. December 8th, the Syracuse Fire Department was called to Destiny USA (3 Destiny USA Drive) for a possible structure fire. The first units were on scene in three minutes and reported a very heavy volume of smoke issuing from the roof area above the Cheesecake Factory. Incident commanders immediately asked for mall security to evacuate everyone from the building. Based on the volume of smoke and the potential life hazard, a second alarm assignment was requested – bringing more than 50 firefighters to the scene.
Several people attempting to drive away from the mall ran over sections of fire hose. Additionally, two nearby fire hydrants were found to be inoperable, forcing crews to look for alternative hydrants for a water supply. The broken hydrants did not impact the operation.
Firefighters gained access to the roof utilizing interior stairwells and a 110’ ladder truck. Once on the roof, firefighters discovered a large area of roofing material (approximately 20’ x 50’) on fire. It took more than 45 minutes to completely extinguish the blaze. Several sections of the roof had to be cut open with saws to check for, and extinguish, any hidden pockets of fire. The utilities for that portion of the mall had to be shut off. Although there was a light smoke condition inside the mall, the bulk of the fire damage appears to be limited to the roof.
No injuries were reported. AMR, National Grid, and the Syracuse Police Department also responded to the scene. Members of the Fire Investigation Bureau are currently working to determine the cause of the fire.
Whenever a fire alarm activates, please quickly and calmly proceed to the nearest exit. When you are near a fire scene, DO NOT drive over fire hose. Doing so can damage or destroy the hose, jeopardizing the firefighting operation.
