SYRACUSE FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONDS TO TWO WORKING FIRES

Published on October 16, 2025

Press Release:

SYRACUSE FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONDS TO TWO WORKING FIRES 15 MINUTES APART

Syracuse, NY – The Syracuse Fire Department responded to two separate residential fires less than 15 minutes apart early Thursday morning—one on Latimer Terrace near downtown and another on South Collingwood Avenue in Eastwood. The Rescue Company and command staff responded to both incident scenes. More than 70 firefighters were called to action between the two incidents. There were no reported injuries from either fire. Further details are provided below.

Latimer Terrace Structure Fire

At 6:52 a.m., Syracuse Firefighters were alerted by the Onondaga County 911 Center to a reported fire at 105 Latimer Terrace. Crews from Station 1 on South State Street arrived in under two minutes and found a two-story apartment building with smoke and fire showing from the rear. Engine 1 began stretching hose lines to the front door as other teams entered to search for victims. A Signal “99” was transmitted, indicating a working fire.

Crews began extinguishing the fire while simultaneously searching for potential victims. The fire was knocked down after approximately 15 minutes, but firefighters continued to check for hidden fire and ensure complete extinguishment. The fire was declared out after about 40 minutes. A search of the affected apartments confirmed there were no victims. Firefighters exercised caution while moving through the structure, as they encountered several holes in the floor between the first and second levels.

The fire was contained to the apartment of origin, though an adjacent unit sustained smoke and water damage. The building was determined to be vacant at the time of the fire. According to Syracuse Fire Investigators, the fire originated in a second-floor bathroom, and the cause remains under investigation. No injuries were reported to civilians or firefighters. Firefighters remained on scene for more than two hours to assist investigators and ensure the structure was secured.

South Collingwood Avenue Structure Fire

At 7:06 a.m., Syracuse Firefighters were alerted by the Onondaga County 911 Center to a reported fire at 320–322 South Collingwood Avenue. Crews from Station 17 on Burnet Avenue arrived in two minutes and found a 2½-story multi-family home with smoke and flames coming from the rear. Firefighters began stretching hose lines and searching for victims. A Signal “99” was transmitted, indicating a working fire.

Firefighters were notified that someone might have attempted to re-enter the building, prompting teams to search for that individual. The person was quickly located outside the residence, uninjured. Crews located and quickly extinguished a fire on the first floor while other firefighters searched for possible victims in the first and secondfloor apartments. The fire was brought under control in approximately 15 minutes and declared out after about 30 minutes. A thorough search of the structure confirmed there were no victims.

The fire was confined to the first-floor apartment, which sustained significant smoke and fire damage. The second floor sustained minor smoke and water damage. Smoke detectors alerted the occupants, allowing everyone to exit the building safely. One occupant was evaluated on scene by EMS and refused transport. Six people were displaced by the fire and are receiving assistance from the Red Cross.

According to Syracuse Fire Investigators, the fire originated in a rear bedroom on the first floor, and the cause remains under investigation. No injuries were reported among Fire Department personnel. Crews remained on scene for more than two hours to clear smoke, assist investigators, and perform cleanup operations.

Syracuse Police, American Medical Response, National Grid, and the Red Cross also responded to both scenes. The Syracuse Fire Department thanks our partners at the 911 Center, SPD, AMR, National Grid, and the Red Cross for their continued support.

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