(PHOTO: Ithaca Fire Department)

ITHACA, N.Y. (WENY) — A fire broke out on Thursday evening in the 700 block of Chestnut Street in the City of Ithaca, resulting in the complete destruction of an apartment. According to the Ithaca Fire Department, the incident was first reported at approximately 5:12 p.m. when the Tompkins County 911 center began receiving multiple calls about the fire. Responding firefighters could see a large column of smoke as they approached the scene.

Upon arrival, fire crews were met with heavy smoke and flames. A third alarm was immediately called to bring in off-duty firefighters and request assistance from mutual aid partners. Firefighters worked quickly to suppress the fire and ensure no one was inside the apartment. The fire was brought under control within about 25 minutes, though crews remained on-site for approximately three hours to extinguish hotspots.

Fortunately, the apartment’s occupant was not home at the time of the fire, and no injuries were reported. While the apartment where the fire originated was completely destroyed, neighboring apartments were not significantly affected and remain habitable.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, with fire investigators working to determine what sparked the blaze. Several agencies responded to the scene, including Bangs Ambulance, the Ithaca Police Department, NYSEG, and the Red Cross. Additionally, the Cayuga Heights and Newfield Fire Departments provided coverage for other calls in the City and Town of Ithaca during the incident.