syracuse.com
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Syracuse, N.Y. — Firefighters battled fires in two vacant homes overnight Tuesday in Syracuse, one of which was declared a total loss.
The first fire, at 230 Leon St. on the South Side, was reported at about 8 p.m. Tuesday.
Firefighters found smoke and flames coming from second-story windows on three sides of the house, according to District Chief Matthew Craner, a spokesperson for the Syracuse Fire Department.
They attacked the fire in multiple rooms on the second floor, while working to avoid holes in the floor, Craner said.
It took about 20 minutes to put out the fire, he said.
The home’s second floor suffered fire, smoke, and water damage. The first floor and attic also suffered smoke and water damage.
One firefighter was treated at the scene for a minor injury, Craner said.
The second fire, at 634 E. Division St. on the North Side, was reported at about 12:40 a.m. Wednesday.
Firefighters found heavy fire coming from the first floor, second floor and roof, Craner said. They decided to attack the fire from outside the home due to the advanced stage of the fire and concerns about the home’s structural integrity.
Firefighters sprayed water onto the home from all four sides. They also used elevated waterways, capable of flowing 1,000 gallons of water per minute, to fight the flames from above.
Rescue crews evacuated people out of neighboring houses, Craner said, due to concerns about radiant heat coming from the burning home.
It took nearly five hours to put out the fire. A Centro bus was brought in to help firefighters cool down. The temperatures were in the low 70s and high 60s.
The home is considered a total loss, Craner said, after it suffered extensive, severe fire, smoke and water damage to all floors.
The property has 10 open code violations, according to city records, including for trash and overgrown grass. It was cited last year for problems with its foundational walls and structural members.
The causes of both fires are under investigation.
Staff writer Jon Moss covers breaking news, crime and public safety. He can be reached at [email protected] or @mossjon7.
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