12 displaced from fire in former Skyline Apartments, allegedly started by lithium-ion battery

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — Syracuse Fire Investigators say a lithium-ion battery allegedly caused a fire inside an apartment on the second floor of the Lifestyle Apartments, or the former Skyline Apartments, on James Street Tuesday afternoon.

Fire crews got the call around 12:58 p.m. on March 5 and upon arrival, found the fire alarm system in the multi-story high-rise building was active, with audible alarms blaring.

Once firefighters got inside they say a resident told them it was his unit that caught fire on the second floor, which had thick black smoke coming from the hallway.

Firefighters were able to keep the fire from spreading and had it under control in just under half an hour. The resident was treated for smoke inhalation.

The owner of the building, Clear Management, says it’s currently unlivable. Everyone else was evacuated. The American Red Cross is working to provide financial assistance to 12 people, including 10 adults and two children. 

The city of Syracuse is working on securing the building to prevent people from getting back in, sending the following statement Tuesday evening.

Syracuse Fire and Syracuse Police responded to a fire this afternoon at Skyline Apartments. Multiple City departments are on site. The City is in communication with the property owner, Clear Management, to ensure any remaining occupants of the building are removed. Current conditions in the building have been determined to be unfit and unsafe for habitation. National Grid is in the process of disconnecting utilities, and the City is working with Clear to secure the building and prevent reentry. The American Red Cross is providing emergency assistance to those impacted by the fire.

Statement by Chief Policy Officer Greg Loh regarding Skyline Apartments:

According to Syracuse Fire Investigators, the fire began in the bedroom of the apartment and was caused by an “undetermined issue with a lithium-ion battery in the apartment.”

A total of 42 Fire Department personnel responded to this incident, including command and support staff. Syracuse Fire Department Ambulance, Syracuse Police, American Medical Response, National Grid, The American Red Cross and other City departments also responded to the scene.