UPDATE (12:15 p.m.) – Ithaca Fire Department crews left the scene of a Linn Street house fire at about 11 a.m. Thursday, after working for about 12 hours to extinguish the flames and eliminate lingering hot spots. Investigators remain on scene, and the cause of the fire has not been determined.
The 200-block of Linn Street has reopened to traffic.
ITHACA, N.Y. – Firefighters are still working Thursday morning to extinguish a house fire reported late Wednesday night on the 200-block of Linn Street in the City of Ithaca. The home’s two occupants escaped safely, along with three dogs, according to the Ithaca Fire Department.
Winds were gusting when IFD arrived on scene Wednesday night. Lt. Tom Basher said crews worked quickly to bring the fire under control and prevent it from spreading to nearby homes. While IFD contained the fire, Basher said the house’s roof and walls have collapsed. He said crews will remain on scene Thursday morning as the fire smolders.
The 200-block of Linn Street, between East Marshall Street and Farm Street, is closed as of 4:30 a.m. Thursday, and drivers are asked to avoid the area.
IFD and the Ithaca Police Department are expected to remain on scene until mid-morning. Bangs Ambulance and Newfield Fire responded to the scene, while Cayuga Heights Fire, Trumansburg Fire, Enfield Fire and off-duty Ithaca firefighters assisted with other calls, according to a media release from IFD.
The home’s residents are staying with friends, according to Basher. No injuries to firefighters have been reported.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. This story will be updated when information becomes available.
Featured image: IFD crews work on a house fire on the 200-block of Linn Street. (Provided by Justin Zoll)