WNY News Now

(WNY News Now) – A structure fire broke out in an apartment building on Foote Avenue early Saturday morning, but thanks to functioning smoke alarms and quick response from the Jamestown Fire Department, the fire was quickly controlled with no injuries reported.

At approximately 12:59 AM on November 30, 2024, the Jamestown Fire Department (JFD) responded to a reported structure fire at 367 1/2 Foote Avenue, Jamestown, New York. Upon arrival, heavy smoke was seen emanating from the windows of the first and second floors of the building. Fortunately, smoke alarms were audible, and all residents were safely accounted for by a resident from a rear apartment.

JFD Engine Company 3 (E3) was the first to arrive on scene. Firefighters immediately entered Apartment 1, where the fire was contained to the kitchen area. A request for additional off-shift firefighters was made at 1:09 AM, bringing 15 firefighters and one chief officer to the scene. The fire was extinguished quickly, with no spread to other areas of the building. Ladder Company 1 (L1) arrived and conducted a primary search of all three apartments in the building, confirming that the fire had not extended beyond the kitchen.

Backup lines were deployed by Engine 4 (E4) as crews performed overhaul operations to ensure no hidden fire extension above the kitchen. Fortunately, no extension was found. By 2:15 AM, fire crews began clearing the scene, with fire investigators remaining on-site until approximately 4:00 AM to determine the cause of the fire.

The fire was ultimately determined to be accidental, caused by an unattended cooking appliance. The presence of functioning smoke alarms, which alerted residents early, was credited with preventing a potentially more devastating outcome. Two dogs were safely removed by the residents during the evacuation.

The fire investigation was completed by the Jamestown Fire Department, with assistance from the Jamestown Police Department (JPD), BPU, National Fuel, the Department of Public Works (DPW), Alstar Ambulance, and the American Red Cross.