City firefighters rescue individual from building fire

(Photo by Timothy A. Bennett, Owner & Publisher of The Cortland Voice).

Local firefighters rescued a female individual from a building fire in the city of Cortland late Tuesday evening, according to a release.

Firefighters rescued the individual from a two-story, multi-family apartment on the southside of Main Street just before midnight. The building had heavy smoke and fire, the release stated.

Units rescued the individual from the second floor of the building by deploying a ladder. The ambulance transported the individual to the hospital for smoke inhalation.

Firefighters searched the remainder of the building, finding that no other individuals were inside. The American Red Cross assisted two occupants with housing, the release noted.

Units, which the report stated consisted of about 30 firefighters, had the fire under control in a half hour. The release stated that the building suffered “extensive smoke and water damage,” with fire damage to the second floor.

City fire chief Wayne Friedman noted via the release that based on information from the city fire investigation division, the cause of the fire was due to a lithium ion battery charging in the apartment.

“The quick response and actions of the firefighters made for a positive outcome tonight,” Friedman said, noting no firefighters were injured.

Firefighters were on scene until 3 a.m. The Cortlandville Fire Department provided standby coverage. NYSEG and National Grid secured all utilities to the building, the report noted.