05/24/2026
🚨🚨Multi-Alarm Fires🚨🚨
Over the last 48 hours, the men and women of Utica Fire have battled two multi-alarm fires within the city. These fires were extremely manpower-intensive as each incident involved more than one building.
On Thursday, May 21st at 2341 hrs, Oneida County 911 began receiving multiple calls reporting a residential structure fire in the 700 block of Lansing St. Upon arrival, Car 4 (D/C Scherer) found two 2 story wood-frame houses with heavy fire showing from both structures. The incident was immediately upgraded to a 2nd Alarm, bringing all on-duty companies to the scene.
Crews worked tirelessly as the fire extended throughout both large homes. Firefighters operated for nearly two hours before bringing the fire under control. This incident also required the callback of two engine companies, one truck company and two Deputy Chiefs. There were no injuries reported. At this time, the fire remains under investigation.
On Friday, May 22nd at 2227 hrs, Oneida County 911 began receiving multiple calls reporting an apartment building fire in the 700 block of John St. Upon arrival, Car 4 (D/C Puleo) found a large three-story brick apartment building with heavy fire showing from the second floor along with multiple reports of people trapped. D/C Puleo immediately upgraded the incident to a 2nd alarm.
As companies were making entry, the fire jumped the alleyway into a two-story corner store. With fire now involving two large buildings, Car 1 - Chief of Department Ingersoll upgraded the incident to a 3rd alarm fire. Crews initially made an aggressive interior attack and search however they were later withdrawn due to rapidly changing fire conditions. Multiple attempts were made to re-enter the building but the fire had overtaken the attic and rapidly spread throughout all three floors. The fire was brought under control approximately three hours after dispatch.
At this time, the fire remains under investigation.
Crews worked tirelessly to control the fire and stop the spread between both buildings. Tragically, this fire resulted in one civilian fatality involving a resident of one of the apartments. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time.
This incident required the callback of three engine companies, one truck company, two ambulances and two Deputy Chiefs. While awaiting callback personnel to staff reserve apparatus, New York Mills Fire Department and Yorkville Fire Department were moved into the city to provide coverage for any additional alarms.
These last two days have been extremely demanding on our on-duty crews as well as the personnel who responded to staff reserve apparatus and assist on the fireground. We thank the community for its continued support of the department and our firefighters.
