Syracuse, N.Y. – The Syracuse Fire Department was called to 1022 Wolf Street at 11:11 A.M. today for a reported fire in an apartment building. Multiple 911 callers reported that the large building was on fire and that people were still inside. The first units were on scene in just two minutes, and reported heavy smoke coming from the roof of the three-story building. Crews immediately began searching for any trapped or endangered occupants.
The first floor of the building contained an unoccupied storefront, and there were seven apartments on the floors above. After an aggressive search, firefighters were able to verify that everyone had made it out safely. The fire was located in the cockloft, which is a 3 – 4 foot void space between the top floor ceiling and the roof decking. Crews had to remove large portions of the top floor ceiling to fight the fire, and a hole was cut in the roof in an effort to release some of the heat and smoke from the building.
It took approximately 20 minutes to bring the fire under control, and no injuries were reported. The cockloft contained a large amount of cellulose insulation, which has the potential to reignite. For that reason, fire crews remain on the scene removing the insulation with a large vacuum.
The American Red Cross will be assisting the displaced families with temporary shelter and other needs. AMR, National Grid, and the Syracuse Police Department also responded to the scene. Members of the SFD Fire Investigation Bureau are currently working to determine the origin and cause of the fire.
