Cabin Fire Engulfs Structure on Onondaga Nation; No Injuries Reported
A small wooden cabin on the Onondaga Nation was completely destroyed by a fire late Saturday evening. Fortunately, no residents or firefighters sustained any injuries during the incident, which authorities believe was sparked by a wood stove within the cabin.
The Onondaga Nation Fire Volunteer Department received the initial call around 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, reporting a structure fire at 3227 Route 11A. According to Onondaga County 911 dispatches, the situation escalated quickly, with the call being upgraded to a “signal 99” – indicating an active structure fire – within five minutes of the first report.
Lawrence Burk, an assistant chief with the Onondaga Nation Fire Volunteer Department, described the scene upon his arrival. “By the time I got there, the 10-foot by 20-foot structure was fully engulfed in flames,” Burk stated. Despite the intense efforts of firefighters, including a significant water deployment, the cabin was beyond saving.
A small wood cabin was destroyed by a fire on Saturday night on the Onondaga Nation.
Crucially, the fire was contained to the small cabin and did not spread to other structures on the property. This included a much larger, primary residence situated nearby. The rapid response and diligent work of the firefighters prevented a more widespread disaster.
The primary efforts to combat the blaze were largely successful within approximately 30 minutes. By around 6:15 p.m., Chief Burk reported that fire crews were actively engaged in extinguishing remaining hotspots and that the situation was under control. The process of dismantling the scene and winding down operations began around 7:15 p.m., as confirmed by 911 dispatches.
Collaborative Response Effort
The successful containment of the fire was a testament to the coordinated efforts of multiple emergency services. In addition to the Onondaga Nation Fire Volunteer Department, the Nedrow and South Onondaga fire departments were on the scene, providing crucial support and manpower.
Marcellus Ambulance was also present to ensure the medical well-being of all personnel involved, though their services were thankfully not required for any injuries. The Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office was on-site to assist with traffic control and ensure the safety of the surrounding area.
The Nedrow and South Onondaga fire departments, Marcellus Ambulance, and the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office were also at the scene.
The cause of the fire has been preliminarily attributed to a wood stove operating within the cabin. Investigations into the exact circumstances leading to the ignition are ongoing, but the immediate focus was on extinguishing the fire and ensuring no further danger to the community. The swift and professional response from all involved agencies played a vital role in mitigating the impact of this unfortunate incident. The resilience of the Onondaga Nation community, coupled with the dedication of its volunteer fire department and neighboring services, was evident throughout the evening.