Suspected Arson at Homer Multi-Family Home Injures Officers, Firefighter

This is a breaking news story. Details are still emerging and will be updated as they become available.

Around 11:15 a.m. Sunday, the Homer Fire Department was dispatched to 35 James Street for a reported structure fire. Cortland County 9-1-1 advised that a caller reported seeing smoke and flames coming from the building. The Cortland Fire Department was automatically dispatched for mutual aid due to the nature of the call.

Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy fire on the second floor of a multi-family home. The first-floor apartment was unoccupied at the time. According to officials, Homer Fire had responded to the residence the previous day for a water issue that left the first-floor apartment uninhabitable.

James Street was closed between Main Street and North Fulton Street as crews worked at the scene. Firefighters attacked the flames from both inside and outside the structure.

While crews were battling the fire, officers from the Homer Police Department and the Cortland County Sheriff’s Office were involved in a physical altercation with a woman who is believed to have intentionally started the fire, according to reports to X101 News. During the incident, two officers were injured. One officer was transported by TLC Ambulance to Upstate Medical University Hospital for treatment for multiple dog bites. The injuries to the second officer are unknown at this time.

The unidentified woman was taken into custody following a brief struggle.

The Cortlandville Fire Department was later requested to the scene for additional manpower. Once the bulk of the exterior flames were knocked down, firefighters entered the building and discovered heavy fire, most notably in the attic space. Most of the fire was brought under control by approximately 12:40 p.m.

“Fire crews made entry through the front door and encountered heavy fire conditions. The department’s aerial apparatus was deployed as an elevated master stream to knock down the bulk of the fire. Once conditions improved, crews advanced interior lines and continued suppression efforts.” Homer Fire Chief Jay Riley said.

Crews remained on scene for several hours conducting overhaul operations and checking for hotspots. One firefighter was also injured, Riley told X101 News. He was transported for evaluation of a leg injury. Homer Fire would be dispatched again to the residence around 11:05 Sunday night; firefighters had the rekindle, located in the attic space, out before midnight.

X101 News has contacted Homer Police for additional information. This story will be updated as more details become available. As of 9:00 a.m. Monday, James Street remains closed near 35 James.