A late-night house fire in the Town of Tyre was quickly brought under control Wednesday after a homeowner extinguished flames before first responders arrived, according to the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office.
Emergency crews were dispatched around 10:49 p.m. to a residence on Middle Black Brook Road after a 911 call reported a structure fire.
Deputies responded alongside the Tyre Fire Department, with assistance from Clyde, Fayette and Seneca Falls fire departments, as well as North Seneca Ambulance.
Upon arrival, firefighters found smoke coming from the one-story home but no active flames. Officials said the homeowner had already put out the fire, allowing crews to focus on checking for extension and securing the scene.
Investigators later determined the fire was caused by a rag used to apply an oil-based stain that had been left on a cardboard box near a heat source.
Authorities said the fire was contained to contents inside the home and did not damage the structure itself. All occupants and pets were able to evacuate safely, and no injuries were reported.
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