Syracuse, NY- On Monday, December 25, 2023, at 3:19 p.m., Syracuse Firefighters were alerted by the Onondaga County 911 center to a reported possible fire at 705 Lodi Street. Firefighters from Station 9, on Shuart Ave arrived on the scene two-and-a-half minutes later, and found a two-story, multiple-family home with heavy smoke pouring out of windows on the second floor. A signal ‘99’ was transmitted, indicating a working fire.
There were initial reports that there were still possibly people inside the structure. Firefighters already on the scene, and additional arriving units mounted an aggressive interior attack. Crews moved hoses into the building to fight the flames, while other teams of firefighters systematically searched for trapped occupants. One occupant was located on the second floor and was assisted to safety by the searching firefighters. The occupant was evaluated by ambulance crews at the scene but did not require further medical care. Occupants had been alerted to the fire by smoke detectors going off in the building, allowing them to escape unharmed.
Hose teams were able to bring the flames under control, and no additional victims were found. A hole was cut in the roof of the building to help vent smoke and other products of combustion. The fire was declared out after approximately thirty minutes. Crews remained on the scene for several hours working to clear the building of smoke and assisting investigators. The fire originated in the kitchen of a second-floor apartment. The cause is currently under investigation by Syracuse Fire Department Investigators. There were no additional injuries reported to civilians, and no injuries reported to Fire Department personnel.
The building contained four apartments. A second-floor apartment sustained heavy fire, smoke, and water damage. Additional units on the second floor also sustained smoke and water damage. The first-floor sustained water damage. Five people were displaced by this fire; they are being assisted by the American Red Cross.
A total of 39 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.