Garage fire in Syracuse a total loss

SYRACUSE – Syracuse and Racine fire departments responded to a garage fire in Syracuse Monday evening.

The tones went off alerting both departments around 6 p.m. The fire quickly spread through the garage at Chuck Buckley’s residence on Carleton Street. Fire fighters were able to prevent the fire from spreading to the house, however, part of the house siding sustained heat damage.

According to Syracuse Assistant Chief Eber Pickens the garage was a total loss and was likely started by a kerosene heater. He said among various tools, Buckley lost a Cub Cadet mower and a Honda Shadow motorcycle.

About two dozen firemen from Syracuse and Racine responded to the fire. Assistant Chief Pickens said for years there has been an automatic mutual aid response with Syracuse and Racine.

“Time and time again the auto response of both Syracuse and Racine departments have proved to be effective,” Assistant Chief Pickens said. He said it was a good response from both departments.

Notable at the scene were several junior firemen from both the Syracuse and Racine departments. He said there both departments have their own junior programs and they are doing well. He added Syracuse has other younger members coming up as well. As many of the firemen in the county are growing older, he said Syracuse has been working to bring in a new generation of volunteers. Assistant Chief Pickens described their future with keeping firefighters available to respond as “bright.”