NY Firefighters Delayed by Hoarding Conditions in House

Syracuse, N.Y. — A house packed with “severe hoarding” gave Syracuse firefighters a challenge Saturday while they battled a fire that is still under investigation, firefighters said.

Firefighters responded to a fire at 2:01 p.m. on the 600 block of Pond Street, according to a Facebook post from the Syracuse Fire Department.

The home was vacant but almost every door and window was blocked with clutter and debris, and the hoarding made it difficult for firefighters inside the house to search for residents and extinguish the fire, firefighters said.

When firefighters arrived, the first floor and basement were on fire and heavy smoke was coming from the roof. After 20 minutes in “difficult conditions,” firefighters managed to extinguish the fire, firefighters said. Firefighters remained at the house for over an hour to make sure the fire didn’t rekindle.

The fire is still under investigation as of Sunday morning, firefighters said.

The investigation is centered around the basement, where the fire was the largest, Executive Deputy Chief of Fire Rick Kisselstein said. When large fires start in vacant homes it is considered suspicious, Kisselstein said.

Staff writer Rylee Kirk covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, story idea, photo, question or comment? Reach her at 315-396-5961, on Twitter @kirk_rylee, or [email protected].

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