Cortland Fire Responds to Fire on Harrington Ave. in City

Updated 9:00am 5/15/2025

Around 3:45 in the afternoon, Cortland Fire was dispatched to a reported structure fire at 13 Harrington Ave. in the City of Cortland. Cortland County 9-1-1 Dispatch told Cortland Fire a resident called in to report a washing machine located in the basement of the house was on fire.

Upon arrival, Cortland Fire confirmed smoke coming from the exterior of the two-story house. An immediate All-Hands call was issued by Cortland Fire to bring in additional firefighters and apparatus. Firefighters worked to ensure everyone was out of the house and went into the basement to confirm a working fire. Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire quickly. A search was then done to ensure the fire did not spread.

Cortland Fire told X101 News the house sustained moderate smoke damage due to the fire being located in the basement of the structure and the age of the building itself. The electrical, gas, and water systems also suffered severe damage which led to the utilities being turned off by their providers.

No injuries were reported. Both Harrington Ave and Pleasant Street were temporarily closed while firefighters were on scene.

The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental. Deputy Chief of the Cortland Fire Department, Derek Reynolds says the investigation found appliances involved in the fire had sustained water damage when the basement of the residence flooded. The department is reminding residents that if they plan to use any appliance that has been affected by water, to immediately unplug it and not to use it until they’re serviced or inspected by a professional.

Cortlandville and Homer Fire Departments stood by at their respective stations to cover for any additional calls when Cortland Fire was on scene. Cortland Fire remained on scene for about four hours.

X101 News will provide additional information once available.