2 people displaced after basement fire in Syracuse

Syracuse, N.Y. — Two people were displaced Friday from their two-story home after a basement fire, Syracuse firefighters say.

Firefighters found smoke coming from the first floor of the home at 953 Emerson Avenue when they arrived at 6:57 a.m., according to District Chief Matt Craner, a spokesperson for the Syracuse Fire Department.

Firefighters found heavy smoke and could see the glow of flames in the basement. Firefighters searched the first and second floor for tenants and worked to put out the fire.

No one was found inside. The occupants of the second-floor apartment escaped before firefighters arrived, he said. The fire was out in 20 minutes and did not spread past the basement, he said.

Only the basement suffered fire, smoke and water damage, Craner said.

The two residents on the second floor were assisted by the Red Cross because the apartment had smoke damage.

The first-floor apartment was vacant.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Staff writer Timia Cobb covers breaking news. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? You can reach her at [email protected].