(May 23, 2022) Syracuse, N.Y. – Syracuse Firefighters were busy overnight battling multiple structure fires on the near west side of the city. The first structure fire was dispatched at approximately 10:26 P.M., to 420 Merriman Avenue. A 911 caller reported fire coming out the back of a vacant 2.5 story wood frame dwelling. The first fire unit was on scene in two minutes and found fire on the second floor extending to the attic. The structure was boarded up and there was no electric service to the building. Hose lines were advanced up the rear stairway to the 2nd floor and to the attic. The fire was knocked down in 30 minutes. Firefighters conducted searches of the building for possible trapped occupants. The searches were negative. One firefighter from Engine Company 3 suffered minor burns and was transported to Upstate Hospital. The injured firefighter was later released and is expected to make a full recovery.
The second overnight fire was dispatched at approximately 4:53 A.M. This fire was located at 115 Herriman Avenue. A neighbor called 911 to report the fire coming from the rear of the structure. The first fire unit was on scene in less than two minutes and confirmed a fire at the 2 story wood frame house. Two occupants of the dwelling self-evacuated prior to the fire department’s arrival. Fire crews immediately attacked the fire and conducted searches of the building. The fire took several hours to extinguish because of heavy clutter on the 1st and 2nd floors of the home. One of the occupants of the home was treated for minor injuries by AMR. There were no other reported injuries to civilians or firefighters. The Red Cross assisted both residents who lived at 115 Herriman Avenue.
Multiple Syracuse Fire department units fought both fires this evening in the city. Along with the Red Cross, Syracuse Police, AMR and National Grid also responded to both fires. Members of the Syracuse Fire Department Investigation Bureau are currently working to determine the origin and cause of both fires.
Fire Chief Monds wants to remind everyone to have operating smoke detectors on all levels of the home and in all living and sleeping quarters.
