Syracuse Fire Department

Press Release:

NO INJURIES REPORTED AFTER EARLY MORNING BASEMENT FIRE

Syracuse, NY – On Friday, June 12, 2026, at 5:28 a.m., Syracuse Firefighters were alerted by the Onondaga County 911 Center to a reported fire at 261 Shotwell Park. Crews from Station 9 on Shuart Avenue arrived on scene and found a two-story residential structure with smoke issuing from the second floor. A Signal "99" was transmitted, indicating a working fire.

Firefighters stretched hose lines into the structure while additional crews searched for occupants. As firefighters advanced through smoke conditions throughout the residence, they located a fire in the basement and began extinguishment operations.

The fire was brought under control within 10 minutes and declared fully extinguished after approximately 20 minutes. Thorough searches confirmed there were no victims.

The structure was a single-family home occupied by one resident. The basement sustained fire damage, while minor smoke damage was reported throughout the remainder of the home. The occupant safely exited the residence after being alerted by working smoke detectors. Utilities to the home were disconnected, and the resident was assisted by the American Red Cross.

According to Syracuse Fire Investigators, the fire originated in the basement and was caused by an electrical malfunction. There were no reported civilian or firefighter injuries. Firefighters remained on scene for more than an hour conducting overhaul operations, ventilating the structure, and assisting investigators.

Press Release:

SYRACUSE FIREFIGHTERS RESPOND TO FOUR FIRES WHILE OPERATING IN EXTREME CONDITIONS

While major fires often draw the most public attention, the incidents that never become major fires can be just as significant.

On Thursday, June 11, 2026, between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., Syracuse Firefighters responded to four separate fires across the city. The most serious incident, a Signal "99" on North Midler Avenue, required a large-scale response and will likely receive the most attention. During this same two-hour period, firefighters successfully stopped three other fires before they could grow into similar emergencies.

-On Benedict Avenue, firefighters quickly contained a small fire in the kitchen.

-On Lilac Street, crews located and extinguished a small fire in the basement before it could spread throughout the residence.

-On Gebhardt Avenue, crews quickly extinguished an outside rubbish fire that had begun impinging on a nearby residence.

Notably, the incidents on Gebhardt Avenue and Lilac Street occurred while firefighters were still actively operating at the Signal "99" fire on North Midler Avenue.

In the fire service, it is commonly recognized that a fire can double in size in 30 seconds under the right conditions. These incidents serve as a reminder that what may appear to be a small fire is often only minutes away from becoming a major emergency. The difference between a minor incident and a devastating loss is often measured in minutes and determined by how quickly firefighters arrive, assess the situation, and take action.

While these incidents may not attract the same attention as a major fire, the property preserved, injuries prevented, and lives protected are among the most important measures of success for Syracuse Firefighters.

Today's incidents occurred during a period of high heat and humidity, conditions that make firefighting especially demanding. Wearing heavy protective equipment while operating in extreme temperatures requires exceptional physical effort, training, and dedication. Despite those challenges, Syracuse Firefighters responded throughout the afternoon to protect residents and prevent these incidents from becoming far more serious emergencies.

NORTH MIDLER COMMERCIAL GARAGE FIRE

Syracuse, NY – On Thursday, June 11, 2026, at 1:58 p.m., Syracuse Firefighters were alerted by the Onondaga County 911 Center to a reported fire at 360 North Midler Avenue. Crews from Station 17 on Burnet Avenue responded and could see smoke from several blocks away. Upon arrival, Engine 17 connected to a hydrant and entered a commercial complex, where firefighters found heavy smoke and fire coming from two garage bays at the rear of the property. A Signal “99” was transmitted, indicating a working fire.

Firefighters stretched multiple hose lines and began extinguishment operations. The potential presence of flammable liquids and compressed gases required crews to exercise caution and operate from a safe distance until the fire was brought under control. Once conditions improved, firefighters ventilated the structure to remove heat and smoke and improve visibility.

The fire was brought under control within 10 minutes and declared fully extinguished in less than 45 minutes. Searches of the structure and surrounding area confirmed there were no victims.

The portion of the building affected by the fire appeared to be used for automotive repair. Utilities to that section of the building were disconnected and will remain out of service until repairs are completed.

There were no reported civilian injuries. Two firefighters were injured during firefighting operations. One firefighter suffered a leg injury, while another was taken to Upstate Community Hospital for evaluation. Their conditions are unknown at this time.

According to Syracuse Fire Investigators, the cause and origin of the fire remain under investigation. Firefighters remained on scene for more than two hours assisting investigators and completing overhaul operations.

Due to the elevated temperatures, the Syracuse Fire Department’s Medical Emergency Response Vehicle (MERV-1) responded to the scene to provide cooling, hydration, and medical monitoring for more than 40 firefighters operating at the incident.

CONGRATULATIONS!!

Please join us in congratulating the following Syracuse Firefighters on their recent promotions:

Captain Patrick Rothery
Lieutenant Brandon Jennings
Lieutenant Kevin Sheridan
Lieutenant Robert Spencer
Lieutenant Eric Wojtaszek

We thank these members for their commitment and wish them great success in their new roles as they continue to serve our city!

Press Release:

🔥FIREFIGHTERS QUICKLY EXTINGUISH ATTIC FIRE ON ROBINSON STREET

Syracuse, NY – On Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at 8:26 p.m., Syracuse Firefighters were alerted by the Onondaga County 911 Center to a reported fire at 331 Robinson Street. Crews from Station 9 on Shuart Avenue arrived on scene and found a 2½-story residential structure with smoke issuing from the second floor and attic. A Signal “99” was transmitted, indicating a working fire.

Firefighters from Engine 9 connected to a hydrant and stretched hose lines into the structure. Crews advanced to the attic, located the fire, and began extinguishment operations while additional teams searched for potential victims.

The fire was brought under control within 10 minutes and declared fully extinguished after approximately 20 minutes. Thorough searches confirmed there were no victims.

The structure was a single-family home and sustained fire damage to the attic, with water damage extending throughout the remainder of the building. Utilities to the home were disconnected.

According to Syracuse Fire Investigators, the fire originated in the attic and was accidental in nature. The cause was determined to be an unattended candle placed too close to combustible materials. There were no reported firefighter or civilian injuries.

The American Red Cross assisted four residents. Crews remained on scene for more than an hour conducting overhaul operations and assisting investigators.

On Monday, June 8, 2026, the Syracuse Fire Department gathered with family, friends, elected officials, and department members to celebrate our Annual Awards and Promotion Ceremony.

We were proud to recognize firefighters whose actions during 2025 demonstrated exceptional courage, professionalism, and commitment to others, while also honoring the officers promoted over the past year. Congratulations to all who were recognized. Your service reflects the very best of the Syracuse Fire Department.

Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the evening special. We would also like to extend a special thank you to Dan Cummings for serving as Master of Ceremonies and helping us celebrate the accomplishments of our members.

Photos by: Oscar Demuré

2025 Awards and Medal Recipients
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Jenkins Award

109 Fordham Road
• Lt. Christopher Janus — Truck 4
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Valor Award

210 Village Drive
• FF Matthew Gokey (Truck 4)
• FF Wyatt Esposito (Truck 4)
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Individual Citation

104 Stinson Street
• D/C Colin Duffy (Car 3)

109 Fordham Road
• FF Blaine Moore (Rescue Co.)

310 West Kirkpatrick Street
• Capt. John Suits (601)
• D/C Matthew Craner (Car 2)
________________________________________
Unit Citation

Rescue Company
104 Stinson Street
• Lt. Paul Veri
• FF Daniel McCauley
• FF Colin Burke
• FF Jonathan Rotariu
• FF Thomas Webster
• FF Michael Corp

Engine Company 17
517 Hickok Avenue
• Capt. John Lisi
• FF Jamell Jones
• FF Michael Moore
• FF Everton Mitchell

Truck 4
517 Hickok Avenue
• Lt. Christopher Janus
• FF Russell Bonferraro
• FF Katherine Cardinali
• FF Matthew Gokey

Engine Company 2
310 West Kirkpatrick Street
• Lt. Tony Morgan
• FF Wilford Stephens
• FF Keyon Brown
• FF Joshua Grass

Truck 2
310 West Kirkpatrick Street
• Lt. Anthony Callisto
• FF John Burns III
• FF Gregory Henry
• FF Ricky Woods

Rescue Company
310 West Kirkpatrick Street
• Lt. Edward Lehmann III
• FF Rodney Mattison II
• FF Peter Conover
• FF Gary Andrews
• FF Alexander Watkins
• FF Leo Rogers
• FF William Lydon

Fire Investigations Unit
2017 South Avenue
• D/C Joseph Fenell
• Lt. Edward Lehmann III
• Lt. Anthony Sterio
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EMS Level 1 Award

Mini 10
1815 East Fayette Street
• Lt. Thomas Sexton Jr.
• FF Danial Cacchione

Engine Company 10
1815 East Fayette Street
• FF Bernard Bullock
• FF Jacob Callisto

Squad Company
1815 East Fayette Street
• Lt. Eamon Coogan
• Lt. William Pace
• Lt. Christian Dorn
• FF Michael Heister

Car 4
1815 East Fayette Street
• D/C Timothy Gleeson
________________________________________
EMS Level 2 Award

Mini 2
209 Warham Street
• Lt. Rachel Wood
• FF Gavan Liston

Mini 17
Smith Street / Erie Boulevard East
• Lt. Jordan Patrick
• FF Bradley Darling

Mini 9
148 Hickok Avenue
• Lt. Anthony Callisto

Rescue 2
148 Hickok Avenue
• FF Alexander Watkins
• FF Patrick Sammon

Mini 5
1301 West Fayette Street
• Capt. Matthew Corbett
• FF Gabriel Mariani

Squad Company
1301 West Fayette Street
• Capt. Eric Jones
• FF Kevin DeLong
• FF Michael Tartaglia
• FF Karesaun Herring

210 Village Drive
• Capt. John Lisi (EC 17)

Mini 17
384 North Collingwood Avenue
• Lt. Roseanne Wood
• FF Paul Bolinski

Rescue 2
384 North Collingwood Avenue
• FF Thomas Webster
• FF Daniel Melie

Mini 5
732 Park Avenue
• Capt. Matthew Corbett
• FF Aiden Murphy

Mini 2
1 Walsh Circle
• Capt. Seth Shapess
• FF Benjamin Pickard

Mini 8
311 Slocum Drive
• Lt. Nicholas Wolfe
• FF Matthew Slaven

Rescue 2
311 Slocum Drive
• FF Alexander Watkins
• FF Nicholas Cherchio
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Mayor's Award

Fire Investigations Unit
2017 South Avenue
• Lt. Thomas Reidy
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Fire Chief's Medal

• Lt. Alex Cimino Jr. — For his contributions to the Clark Burn Center and the Critical Incident Stress Management (C.I.S.M.) Program.

• Capt. Kelly Willcox — For her contributions to the Syracuse Fire Department Fire Prevention Bureau.

Fleet Maintenance Division
• Peter Bovalino, Heavy Equipment Fire Crew Leader
• Michael Rittenhouse, Heavy Mechanic II
• Daniel Green, Heavy Mechanic II
• Jacob Lyon, Heavy Mechanic II
• Paul Tysco, Heavy Mechanic II
• William Senke, Heavy Mechanic II
• Robert Grajeles, Heavy Mechanic I
• Richard Wood, Fire Equipment Supply Worker

Press Release:

🔥SYRACUSE FIREFIGHTERS EXTINGUISH EARLY MORNING ATTIC FIRE

Syracuse, NY – On Sunday, June 7, 2026, at 5:44 a.m., Syracuse Firefighters were alerted by the Onondaga County 911 Center to a reported fire at 801 West Colvin Street. Crews from Station 8 on South Salina Street arrived on scene and found a 2½-story residential structure with heavy smoke pouring from the attic. A Signal “99” was transmitted, indicating a working fire.

Firefighters from Engine 8 stretched hose lines to the second floor and encountered heavy fire conditions in the rear stairwell leading to the attic. Crews advanced into the attic and worked to extinguish the fire while additional teams searched for potential victims. Extra caution was required due to several large holes discovered in the attic floor.

The fire was brought under control within 20 minutes and declared fully extinguished after approximately 30 minutes. Thorough searches confirmed there were no victims.

The structure was a two-family home and sustained significant fire damage to the second floor and attic, with smoke and water damage extending throughout the remainder of the building.

According to Syracuse Fire Investigators, the fire originated in the attic and was caused by an electrical malfunction. There were no reported civilian injuries. One firefighter was transported to Crouse Hospital with a leg injury after partially falling through one of the holes in the attic floor during fire attack. The firefighter has since been treated and released.

The American Red Cross assisted eight residents displaced from the two apartments. Crews remained on scene for more than two hours conducting overhaul operations and assisting investigators.

On this D-Day anniversary, we pause to remember the extraordinary bravery, sacrifice, and determination of the Allied forces who stormed the beaches of Normandy on June 6, 1944.

Their courage changed the course of history and remains an enduring example of service before self.

Firefighter William Kendrick of Engine Company 5 died serving on the Western Front in France during World War II. Firefighter Kendrick was one of multiple Syracuse Firefighters who joined the US military during WWII. He was the only member of the Syracuse Fire Department killed in action during WWII.

Press Release:

ARREST MADE FOLLOWING PUTNAM STREET HOUSE FIRE

Syracuse, NY – On Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 8:17 p.m., Syracuse Firefighters were alerted by the Onondaga County 911 Center to a reported fire at 104 Putnam Street. Crews from Station 3 on Bellevue Avenue arrived on scene in less than three minutes and found a 1½-story residential structure heavily involved in fire. A Signal “99” was transmitted, indicating a working fire.

Firefighters from Engine 3 stretched hose lines toward the structure while navigating energized power lines that had become detached from the house and were arcing in the front yard. At the same time, flames were extending to a neighboring home. Crews made an aggressive attack, knocking down heavy fire conditions as they advanced into the structure. Firefighters encountered high heat and zero visibility but continued pushing deeper into the home to extinguish the fire while additional teams searched for potential victims.

The fire was brought under control within 20 minutes and declared fully extinguished after approximately 45 minutes. Thorough searches confirmed there were no victims. The structure was a single-family home and sustained severe fire damage. Although firefighters quickly contained the fire, some damage occurred to the exterior of a neighboring residence and to a vehicle parked in an adjacent driveway.

According to Syracuse Fire Investigators, the fire originated on the first floor. The cause of the fire was determined to be incendiary in nature. Officers with the Syracuse Police Department have made an arrest in connection with the incident.

There were no reported civilian or firefighter injuries. The American Red Cross assisted residents from both homes affected by the incident.

140 years ago today, the Syracuse Fire Department lost Chief of Department Philip Eckel. Chief Eckel was the second Chief of the City of Syracuse's newly formed paid fire department. On June 1, 1886, at about 6 a.m., there was a report of an alarm from the corner of Water and Chestnut Streets. Chief Eckel jumped on Hook and Ladder No. 1 as it started out. Chief Eckel was thrown from the vehicle as it crossed the New York Central tracks. He passed from his injuries a few hours later.

Press Release:

SYRACUSE FIREFIGHTERS EXTINGUISH TWO WORKING FIRES IN A MATTER OF HOURS

🔥KELLOGG STREET FIRE🔥

Syracuse, NY – On Sunday, May 31, 2026, at 6:33 a.m., Syracuse Firefighters were alerted by the Onondaga County 911 Center to a reported fire at 227 Kellogg Street. Crews from Station 3 on Bellevue Avenue arrived on scene and found a 2½-story residential structure with smoke coming from a first-floor window. Once crews made entry, they encountered heavy smoke, and a Signal “99” was transmitted, indicating a working fire.

Firefighters stretched hose lines into the structure and located a fire in the living room of a first-floor apartment. While crews extinguished the fire, additional firefighters searched the building for occupants. The fire was brought under control in less than 10 minutes and declared fully extinguished shortly thereafter. Thorough searches confirmed there were no victims inside the building.

The structure contained three residential units, and damage was limited to the apartment of origin. One occupant had exited the building prior to the fire department’s arrival and was transported to Upstate University Hospital for evaluation. Fire Investigators determined the fire originated in the living room of a first-floor apartment. The cause remains under investigation.

Following completion of suppression, investigation, and overhaul operations, the scene was turned back over to the property owner. There were no reported firefighter injuries.

***Firefighters had only recently cleared the Kellogg Street scene when a second reported structure fire was dispatched on Rich Street. The close proximity of the two incidents resulted in many of the same crews responding to both fires.

🔥RICH STREET FIRE🔥

Syracuse, NY – On Sunday, May 31, 2026, at 9:06 a.m., Syracuse Firefighters were alerted by the Onondaga County 911 Center to a reported fire at 213 Rich Street. Crews from Station 3 on Bellevue Avenue arrived on scene and found a 2½-story residential structure with smoke coming from the second floor. A Signal “99” was transmitted, indicating a working fire.

Firefighters advanced hose lines into the structure and began extinguishment operations while additional crews searched for potential occupants. The fire was brought under control in less than 20 minutes and declared fully extinguished before the 30-minute mark. Thorough searches confirmed there were no victims. No civilian or firefighter injuries were reported.

The building was a two-family home that was unoccupied at the time of the fire. The fire damaged portions of the first floor, with the remainder of the structure sustaining minor smoke and water damage. Fire Investigators determined the fire originated in the first-floor dining room. The cause remains under investigation.

Crews remained on scene for more than two hours assisting investigators and conducting overhaul operations to ensure all hidden fire had been extinguished.