A fire reported just after 3 a.m. on Nov. 17 ripped through a vacant dwelling, gutting the home in Syracuse.
Units arrived fo find heavy smoke coming from the two-story woof-frame home at 432 S. Collingwood Ave.
District Chief Todd Milton had four handlines stretched and operating in the 1 1/2-story wood-frame dwelling.
Firefighters were challenged in their attempts to open up the concealed spaces in the vacant home.
Once it was discovered that fire had extended into the kneewalls in the attic level, the chief withdrew the operating forces and went defensive.
Crews worked for 90 minutes to bring the fire under control and much of the roof collapsed into the structure.
Units on scene: Engines 17 , 9 , 10, Trucks 4 and 5, Rescue Company, Squad Company, District Chief 4 and the Deputy Chief.
These photos were taken moments after the order to evacuate was given.