On Saturday afternoon, a residential chimney fire broke out on Pork Street in the village of Skaneateles, New York. The incident prompted a coordinated response from three local fire agencies: the Mottville Fire Company, the Marcellus Fire Department, and the Skaneateles Fire Department.
Rapid response and containment
Firefighters from the Mottville Fire Company arrived at the scene around 1:20 p.m. Initial reports indicated flames emerging from the top of the chimney, a classic sign of a chimney fire that can quickly spread to the roof or interior if not contained.
Working together, crews from Mottville and Marcellus were called to assist the Skaneateles Fire Department. The combined effort focused on cooling the chimney, extinguishing the flames, and preventing any further damage to the structure.
According to the fire officials on the scene, the fire was knocked down in roughly thirty minutes. After the blaze was fully extinguished, fire crews continued to monitor the home for any lingering hot spots and completed their final checks before departing just after 3:00 p.m.
Community safety and fire prevention
Chimney fires, while relatively uncommon, pose a serious risk in older homes where creosote buildup can ignite. Local fire departments regularly remind residents to have chimneys inspected and cleaned annually, especially before the heating season begins. Proper maintenance reduces the likelihood of a flare‑up and helps protect families and property.
The swift, cooperative action of the three fire departments underscores the strong inter‑municipal relationships that keep Onondaga County neighborhoods safe. Residents can take comfort in knowing that, should an emergency arise, multiple agencies are prepared to respond quickly and effectively.
What homeowners can do
Fire officials advise homeowners to:
- Schedule professional chimney inspections and cleanings at least once a year.
- Use only seasoned, dry firewood to minimize creosote buildup.
- Install and maintain working smoke detectors on every level of the home.
- Keep a fire extinguisher readily accessible, especially near the fireplace.
By following these simple steps, families can help prevent future incidents and ensure that any fire that does occur can be managed safely.
The Skaneateles fire department thanked the neighboring Mottville and Marcellus crews for their assistance and praised the community’s cooperation during the incident.
Original reporting: CNY Central WSTM (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.