Write a commentThe Oswego Fire Department responded to a structure fire at Wade's Diner on Monday evening. The single story commercial diner, sustained significant damage and is expected to remain closed for some time.
Fire investigation personnel are still at the scene Monday evening, searching for clues of what caused the blaze at the popular Oswego diner.
Oswego Fire Department crews were dispatched to the fire at 5:23pm, and first arriving units reported heavy smoke coming from the attic area. The business was closed at the time of the fire, and officials stated firefighters determined there were no occupants after an initial search. Interior personnel then began looking for access to the fire, which proved very difficult.
Crews reported heavy smoke and heat conditions that worsened quickly, forcing them to back out of the structure. Firefighters were forced to cut holes in the roof and side of the structure to allow heat and smoke to exit and make conditions more tenable for an interior fire attack. Crews were then able to pull ceiling material to access the seat of the fire and knock it down.
The fire was declared under control at 6:00pm. Oswego Fire crews remained on the scene until about 7:00pm to search for hidden pockets of fire to ensure it was completely out.
Oswego Fire Chief Jeff McCrobie stated that the firefighters faced some unique challenges with regard to the construction of the building. "The bulk of the fire was located in the attic space, which was very difficult to access because of multiple roof layers and the ceiling construction of the diner", McCrobie said. "Our personnel did a great job knocking the fire down, and avoiding damage to the adjacent structures."
Chief McCrobie stated that the diner sustained "heavy damage" due to fire, heat, smoke and water. It is unknown when or if the business will reopen. Construction crews were at the scene, patching up exterior holes and will be working to secure the building.
The Oswego Fire Department was assisted at the scene by the Oswego Police Department, the Oswego County Fire Coordinator's Office, the Oswego County Fire Mobile Cascade Unit, and National Grid. Fire crews from Scriba and Minetto were activated to be on standby in their districts in case mutual aid was needed.
No injuries were reported
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
