Firefighters from across Cayuga and surrounding counties responded early-Wednesday to a second-alarm house fire on Willowbrook Drive in the Town of Owasco, where flames tore through a residence, causing a roof collapse and requiring a large-scale, multi-agency response.
The fire was first reported early in the morning and quickly escalated, according to the Cayuga/Seneca Fire Wire. As the blaze intensified, mutual aid was requested from Auburn, Fleming, Moravia, West Niles, Skaneateles, Sennett, Aurelius, and others. Auburn City Ambulance was also dispatched to the scene.
Crews arriving on scene encountered heavy fire, with flames spreading to the second floor and garage. The structure’s “C side” saw a partial roof collapse, according to updates from Cayuga/Seneca Fire Wire. Multiple hose lines were deployed, and Auburn’s ladder truck, along with Marine 1 from Owasco, were activated to deliver water from both land and the lakeside.
A Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) was established in the front yard as a precaution for firefighter safety. County rehabilitation services also responded, supporting the large number of personnel on scene.
Crews remained engaged for hours as the fire continued to flare up inside the home. No injuries have been reported at this time, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Additional standby coverage was provided across the region to ensure fire protection in areas left without their primary units. Fire engines from Seneca Falls and Mottville were dispatched to cover stations in Aurelius and Owasco.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].