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The Oswego Fire Department was dispatched to a reported structure fire with trapped occupants at 8:16am today. Upon arrival, OFD command reported heavy fire conditions in the front of the 2 story multiple occupancy and confirmed victims in a second story window. Power lines were dropping in front of the residence as crews arrived.
Truck company firefighters quickly placed a ladder at the second story window, and were able to remove a 4 month old male, a 7 year old female, and an adult male to safety. Engine company personnel worked to knock down the fire in the front of the residence, and the main ambulance crew geared up and entered the rear of the structure to conduct a primary search where they rescued a dog to safety. A second dog was rescued from the upstairs apartment. All of the fire victims were checked and released at the scene.
The home did have working smoke alarms, but at this time we are unsure how many and their locations.
Residents and property owners are reminded that smoke alarms should be installed inside of every bedroom, outside of every sleeping area, and on every level of the home. Carbon Monoxide alarms should also be installed on every level of the home.
We have reports that 9 people may have lived in this home, in 3 different apartments. There were at least 3 people home at the time of the fire, all of whom were trapped by heat and smoke in the upstairs apartment. The trapped occupant gathered the 2 children and moved them to a bedroom, closed the door to block the smoke and fire, and went to the window to await rescue. Closing the bedroom door was a key component in their safety, as was our firefighters arriving quickly and getting the job done with precision.
OFD crews were assisted at the scene by the Oswego Police Department, Menter Ambulance, National Grid, Oswego County Fire Coordinator’s Office, Oswego DPW, and Oswego Traffic Department.
Although today’s fire caused significant damage to the home, there were no injuries. The American Red Cross is working to assist the displaced occupants at this time.
I would like to commend our crews for a fantastic effort today, as always, in preserving life and property.
Signed, OFD Chief McCrobie
