Photos/Story By Mark McLees
SYRACUSE- A stubborn fire in a vacant cold storage warehouse required a second alarm on October 18th.
The signal "99" was given by first arriving units at 06:59, indicating a working fire. Units initially entered the structure, but the Incident Commander quickly chose a defensive mode of operation.
As a result of the tragedy that occurred in Worcester, Mass, this particular building in Syracuse had been thoroughly pre-planned.
First due companies were aware of two open unprotected elevator shafts; tons of liquid ammonia still remaining in the refrigerated piping throughout the structure; several locations where the sprayed-on fiber material had fallen off and exposed the foam insulation and numerous locations where the piping had separated from its ceiling mounts and were being held in place by stacked pallets.
After a few minutes of multiple master stream applications, crews re-entered the structure with hand lines.
Due to the lack of windows, ventilation was difficult and slowed the overhaul process.
Units reported encountering several spot fires throughout the building.
At this time, the fire investigation unit has not determined an official cause.
