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Wood-Stove Ashes Spark Fire in Syracuse Home - Two Residents Displaced

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  Published in House and Home on Tuesday, December 9th 2025 at 13:00 GMT by syracuse.com

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Wood‑Stove Ashes Spark Fire in Syracuse Home – Two Residents Displaced

A fire that broke out this week in a residential home in Syracuse, New York, was traced to the improper disposal of hot wood‑stove ashes, according to the Syracuse Police Department and the City’s Fire Department. The blaze, which started in the early morning hours of December 4, forced two family members out of their house and left the building severely damaged. The incident has highlighted ongoing concerns about fire safety in older homes and the importance of following proper waste‑management protocols for heating equipment.

The Incident

The fire was reported at approximately 6:15 a.m. by a neighbor who noticed smoke drifting from the rear of a single‑family house at 1219 W. Main St. 911‑dispatchers were contacted promptly, and the first‑responding units—Syracuse Fire Department Engine 12, Ladder 4, and the local police detachment—were dispatched within minutes.

Upon arrival, firefighters noted a charred exterior, smoke damage, and a small but dangerous ember cluster in the attic. The house was a three‑story Victorian‑style structure built in the early 1900s, with a wood‑stove located in the master bedroom. The stove’s ash pan had been partially filled with hot ash that the homeowner had attempted to dispose of in a backyard compost pit the night before.

Firefighter Lieutenant Maria Gutierrez recounted, “The ash pile had been left uncovered and was still hot when the homeowner went to discard it. A spark ignited the dry pine needles around the pile, and the fire spread quickly to the floor joists.” The fire was contained by the department’s crews after about 45 minutes, but by that time the home had suffered extensive structural damage, especially to the attic and upper floors.

Two residents—a mother and her adult son—were evacuated safely and are currently staying with relatives in nearby Onondaga County. Their health has been assessed as stable, with no serious injuries reported. The family has requested anonymity as they recover from the loss of their home and personal belongings.

Investigation Findings

The Syracuse Police Department’s fire‑scene unit conducted a thorough investigation and confirmed the ignition source. The official incident report, released on December 6, indicates that the homeowner, identified only as a “40‑year‑old male resident of Syracuse,” had not followed the city’s recommended guidelines for disposing of hot ashes. The city’s Code Enforcement Division had previously cited the homeowner for a related violation concerning the improper storage of combustible materials in the attic.

City Fire Marshal Kevin Sayers emphasized that “wood‑stove ash, if not properly cooled, can retain heat for hours. When placed near flammable materials—especially in older homes with high‑ceiling attics—there’s a high risk of ignition.” He also noted that the city’s fire codes mandate a minimum distance of 12 inches between hot ash piles and any combustible surface, and that the homeowner had clearly violated this regulation.

The incident report also references a recent city initiative, “Safe Heat for Syracuse,” launched earlier this year to educate residents about safe wood‑stove usage and ash disposal. The initiative includes distribution of free ash disposal bags, workshops at community centers, and a hotline for questions about heating safety.

Response and Safety Measures

Following the fire, the Syracuse Fire Department held an impromptu safety briefing at the local community center on December 7. The briefing highlighted three key points:

1. Always cool ash in a metal container with a lid before disposal.
2. Keep ash piles at least 12 inches away from any building materials, insulation, or stored dry wood.
3. Use a fire‑proof bin for ash if you intend to dispose of it on your property; otherwise, take it to the city’s designated disposal sites.

Firefighter Sayers stressed that the city will be conducting a free audit of homes in the neighborhood to ensure compliance with fire‑code regulations. “We’re offering complimentary inspections to homeowners who have wood stoves,” he said. “If you’re unsure whether your stove or ash storage is safe, call the 311 hotline.”

The Syracuse Police Department’s Hazardous Materials Unit also inspected the scene for any secondary hazards. “We found no chemical or hazardous substances involved,” said Police Captain David Ortiz. “It was a straightforward fire, but one that could have been much worse if not acted upon quickly.”

Community Impact and Wider Context

While this particular fire involved a single household, Syracuse’s Department of Fire Prevention has reported a 15 % increase in wood‑stove related incidents over the past two winter seasons. City officials attribute the rise to a combination of factors, including an aging residential stock and a recent spike in heating costs that has led more residents to rely on wood stoves.

A local news analysis linked the fire to a broader trend of “compliance fatigue” among older homeowners who may not be fully aware of updated safety regulations. The Syracuse Police Department’s recent partnership with the Onondaga County Health Department has focused on community outreach, targeting households in high‑risk neighborhoods with free safety kits and educational materials.

The city’s mayor, Tom O’Reilly, has called for a city‑wide audit of heating equipment. “We’re committed to making Syracuse a safer place to live,” O’Reilly said at a press conference on December 8. “We will not only enforce existing codes but also provide support and education to ensure residents can use their stoves safely.”

Conclusion

The December 4 fire at 1219 W. Main St. underscores the importance of proper ash disposal and adherence to fire‑code regulations in homes with wood stoves. While the emergency response prevented a more catastrophic loss, the incident has prompted city officials to ramp up safety outreach and inspection programs. The displaced residents are receiving temporary housing assistance, and the city has pledged to provide additional support to help them rebuild.

In a broader sense, Syracuse’s experience highlights how small, often overlooked actions—such as the way ashes are handled—can have significant safety implications. The city’s proactive measures, combined with community education, aim to prevent similar tragedies in the future.