A fireplace-related fire left a Fisher Road home in Phelps uninhabitable Sunday as firefighters opened walls and roofing to reach the flames.
The fire was unintentional and related to use of the fireplace, according to the Oaks Corners Fire Department, which said Ontario County Emergency Management investigated the cause. Everyone escaped, and no injuries were reported.
Crews were dispatched to the house at 778 Fisher Road at 12:14 p.m. Initial reports described fire in a wall behind the fireplace and said the homeowner was trying to put it out with a fire extinguisher.
Oaks Corners Chief Brian Maney and Phelps Engine 2131 arrived at 12:20 p.m. The Phelps engine was responding from a drill on Main Street. Maney took command and initially saw no signs of fire outside the single-story home, but Oaks Corners and Phelps firefighters found active fire in the walls and ceiling when they went inside.
The initial response also included a rescue unit from North Side and Phelps Ambulance. With no hydrants in the area, command requested a tanker task force: an engine to establish a water-filling site and two tankers from Junius, plus tankers from North Side and Border City. White Springs sent an engine to stand by at the Oaks Corners station.
Firefighters advanced hose lines into the fire room and attic, quickly knocking down the flames and allowing command to reduce the tanker response. Multiple overlapping sections of roofing made it difficult to reach and fully extinguish the remaining fire, however.
A second alarm brought additional firefighters, including an engine from Lyons and an engine and firefighter rescue team from Geneva. The fire was declared under control at 1 p.m.
Oaks Corners responded with 15 firefighters aboard Pumper/Tanker 3231 and Heavy Rescue 3271. The rescue crew established a firefighter rehabilitation area with assistance from Phelps Ambulance.
The department said crews used less than 1,000 gallons of water.
The Ontario County Sheriff's Office also responded and said Mercy EMS assisted. Fisher Road was closed between County Road 6 and Maryland Road from 12:14 to 2:30 p.m. Deputies said the fire was contained to the residence, extinguished and the scene later declared safe by fire personnel.
Town of Phelps Code Enforcement deemed the home uninhabitable until repairs are made. The American Red Cross is assisting the family with emergency housing.
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