Oswego County Fire Coordinator Offers Update About Hannibal Fire

OSWEGO COUNTY – Oswego County Fire Coordinator Shane Laws announced there were no injuries during the fire reported at 2:46 a.m. Jan. 20 at 383 Co. Rte. 7 in Hannibal.

“There were a number of challenges associated with yesterday’s fire,” said Laws. “To start, it was a wind-driven fire and there were no nearby hydrants, so water had to be transported to the scene via tankers. Cold temperatures of 15 degrees and lower caused hose lines and apparatus to freeze up. Add to that the fire’s location, between the shingled roof and metal covering, was difficult to access. We had to use an excavator to remove the metal roofing so we could get to the seat of the fire.”

He added that there was also some difficulty in getting enough volunteers to the scene to help fight the fire and, due to the harsh weather, those there were physically put to the test. Nearly 50 firefighters were on-scene while others covered their home departments.

A total of 15 fire departments and a handful of other agencies across three counties answered the alarm. They include Hannibal, Granby Center, Cody, Minetto, Phoenix, Oswego Town, New Haven, Palermo, Ira, Victory, Conquest, Northwest Fire District, Cato, Volney, Red Creek, Oswego County Fire Coordinator’s Office, 38-MC-1 (the County’s mobile cascade unit), Menter Ambulance and Oswego County Sheriff’s Department.

The building has been deemed a total loss and the sole male occupant is being assisted by the American Red Cross. The scene was cleared at 8:17 a.m. and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

“While we don’t know the cause of this fire just yet, I want to take a minute and remind people about fire safety, especially with the cold temperatures in the forecast,” said Laws.

According to the National Weather Service Buffalo Office, arctic air and gusty winds will return by the end of the week, creating dangerously cold wind chills that are expected to last throughout the weekend.

The high cost of home heating fuels and utilities has led people to use secondary sources in an effort to save money. However, heating equipment is also a leading cause of home fires during the winter months, largely due to misuse or improper maintenance.

“It’s very important for people to follow manufacturer’s instructions for installation and use of wood stoves, kerosene heaters, electric space heaters or other devices,” he said. “You don’t want to risk your family or lose your home. The chance of fire can be reduced if you take the proper precautions.”

Laws encourages people to follow fire safety and prevention tips provided by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the U.S. Fire Administration:

• Use and maintain fireplaces, woodstoves and furnaces properly. Follow manufacturer’s recommendations, and if any portion of the unit is defective or damaged, have it repaired before any further use.
• Make sure wood stoves are installed properly. Any solid fuel heating unit, including wood stoves, must be inspected by a code enforcement officer prior to use. Ensure the unit has adequate clearance (36 inches) from combustible surfaces and proper floor support and protection.
• Keep flammable or combustible items, such as carpeting, clothing, curtains and furniture, at least 3 feet away from heating equipment. Also, make sure you have a fireplace screen.
• Store kerosene and other flammable liquids in approved metal containers, in well-ventilated storage areas, outside of the house.
• Get furnaces and chimneys inspected yearly; and cleaned or repaired if needed.
• Keep children and pets safely away from heating equipment.
• Turn off portable space heaters when you get ready to sleep or leave the room.

Laws also reminded residents that their homes should also have working smoke alarms. “Install a smoke alarm on every level of your home,” he said. “Test it monthly, keep it free of dust and replace the batteries at least once a year.

“Firefighters don’t want to see people lose their homes, their memories, or worse,” he concluded. “Preventing heating equipment fires is simple. Just keep these safety tips in mind, and you’ll be on your way to a safer winter season.”

Print this entry