Firefighters find working smoke detectors inside 12-unit Oswego apartment after fire

OSWEGO, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — It wasn’t until after a 12-unit apartment building caught on fire on Tuesday night, April 23, that the Scriba Fire Department found there were actually working smoke detectors inside.

The department responded to the fire at 38 Birch Lane in Oswego around 5:04 p.m. and found the building engulfed in flames.

Over 60 firefighters from Oswego City, Minetto, Novelis, Volney and New Haven responded and Mexico and Oswego Town VFD provided extra coverage for the surrounding areas.

Additional support from Menter Ambulance, Oswego PD, Oswego County Sheriff’s, Oswego County Fire Coordinators and Oswego County 911 was provided. The Oswego County Drone team was also requested to provide aerial views of the scene to better direct crews during operations.

All the apartments were occupied at the time of the fire and evacuated before fire personnel arrived. One tenant was evaluated for smoke inhalation at the scene.

The mobile cascade unit was requested to support breathing air operations and tankers from Palermo, New Haven, Mexico and Granby supported water operations. GJP Italian Eatery of Oswego also provided food for crews on the scene during the long operation.

The fire wasn’t extinguished until three hours later at 8 p.m. and to their surprise, working smoke detectors were installed.

The Oswego County Fire Investigation team is investigating the cause and origin of the fire.

All the apartments were affected by the fire and the tenants are being assisted by the American Red Cross.

Powered by News Channel 9.