The Ithaca Fire Department (IFD) responded to reports of smoke in a restaurant building located on the Ithaca Commons on Wednesday evening. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered smoke emanating from the basement and extending up to the third floor. Using thermal imaging cameras, the firefighters were able to locate the source of the smoke, which was a fire in a first-floor wall, according to a statement released by IFD on Wednesday night.
IFD Lt. Jim Wheal reported that it took approximately 30 minutes for firefighters to locate the fire in the building’s walls. They were then able to extinguish the fire and ensure that it had not spread deeper into the building. Thanks to the alertness of an employee who spotted the smoke and called for help early, there were no injuries and only minimal damage to the building.
In response to the incident, a second alarm was issued to staff an additional engine, and both Cayuga Heights and Lansing Fire Departments stood by at their stations in case they were needed for additional calls. Bangs Ambulance also responded to the scene on the Ithaca Commons.
IFD’s investigations unit is currently working to determine the cause of the fire. Lev Kitchen, the affected restaurant, was reported by Wheal as the source of the smoke, and an employee of Thompson & Bleecker, located next door, reported the incident.
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