The Canandaigua Fire Department faced a hectic day Thursday, managing nine emergencies despite contending they were severely understaffed with only four firefighters on duty. Among these, four incidents occurred simultaneously, highlighting the challenges faced by the team in ensuring public safety under pressure.
One of the first major calls came at 10:12 a.m. when Engine 212 and Truck 281 responded to a working vehicle fire on East Street. Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze and ensured the driver’s safety, with assistance from the Canandaigua Police Department and school district maintenance crews for traffic control.
Later, at 1:21 p.m., the team was dispatched to South Main Street and Parrish Street for a crash with unknown injuries. Initial assessments suggested no one was trapped, but during victim removal, firefighters had to force open a passenger door to extricate the individual safely. While handling the crash, another emergency arose at a local Burger King, reporting a fryer fire.
Engine 212 and Car 20 left the crash scene to respond to the restaurant incident, requesting additional support from the Canandaigua Volunteer Fire Department until the situation was assessed. Upon arrival, they found the fire extinguished by the restaurant’s ANSUL system, though light smoke lingered. Truck 281 later cleared from the crash and assisted at the restaurant by inspecting the hood system and roof for potential fire extensions. City code enforcement and the New York State Department of Health were contacted, following protocol for fires in commercial kitchens.
The firefighters’ quick response to multiple overlapping emergencies exemplified their dedication despite limited resources. Officials commended the team’s efforts, reinforcing the importance of public safety support in the community.
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