Twelve people are displaced and a dog has died after a house fire on Clayton Ave. in the City of Cortland just after 7:30 in the evening on Saturday, November 18th.
A call came into Cortland 9-1-1 dispatch of a reported structure fire at 37 Clayton Ave. in the City of Cortland with the caller confirming seeing smoke and flames. Cortland Fire was able to respond in under 90 seconds as firefighters were clearing a medical call just 5 blocks away.
On arrival, firefighters confirmed a working structure fire at the two unit residence. Cortland Firefighters immediately began a search of the residence of occupants and found an active fire in the living room of the first floor apartment. The fire was extinguished with water extinguishers.
Inside the residence, firefighters also removed three dogs. One dog was resuscitated using an animal oxygen mask that was donated to the department. Two dogs were taken to Cornell Veterinary Hospital for further treatment. Unfortunately, one dog died due to smoke and heat.
An investigation into the cause of the fire found it to be accidental.
Cortland Fire noted that all staff and medical trucks and vehicles are specifically equipped with Self Contained Breathing Apparatus, forcible entry tools, and fire extinguishers for calls like this. Ensuring firefighters can access a building and attack a potentially fire quickly.
Cortland Fire was assisted by Cortland Police, Homer Fire (who stood by for additional calls), NYSEG, National Grid, and the Cortland County 9-1-1 Center.
