11-22-14 Fire in Factory Complex, Utica NY

[John Kenealy]

This morning around 11:15, Frankfort Center NY was called out to investigate a possible structure fire at a factory complex on the City of Utica/Town of Frankfort line. Upon arrival, they reported a smoke condition coming from the garage structure deep within the complex. This is the Google Earth shot of the complex with the red X on the fire location.  

 

Nearby Schuyler was called for manpower as soon as they got on scene.  They struggled with reaching the seat of the fire and called for a full response from the City of Utica.  

 

This was once a factory that made guns during WWI & WWII.  In the 60's it was home to UNIVAC, an early computer manufacturer.  In the late 70's it was a mall of outlets stores.  It has been vacant and abandoned for many years.  

[John Kenealy]

Here's a shot from the back of the complex, you can see the smoke from various parts of the building.  

[John Kenealy]

Here's a shot from the front of building. Note the large door under the sign Charles Town, which was the name of the outlet mall.

[John Kenealy]

This is looking through that large doorway.

[John Kenealy]

Zoomed in a bit from the same spot.  

[John Kenealy]

I started down that tunnel.  

[John Kenealy]

Frankfort Center was able to get their pumper down the dirt path into the scene.  This rig is Ex-Harriman, NY.  

[John Kenealy]

Humping hose into the structure.

[John Kenealy]

On the roof.

[John Kenealy]

Exiting the building.

[John Kenealy]

UFD Deputy chief pointing.

[John Kenealy]

The sun came out for a bit.  

[John Kenealy]

Leaving the roof.  

[fyreline]

Good shots, John. I remember when this was the Charles Town outlet mall, took the wife and kids shopping there a few times. Those big old factory complexes represent a real challenge.

[John Kenealy]

Utica Chief Russell Brooks was on the scene.  

[John Kenealy]

Rig shots:  Utica Engine 1 and the Tactical Unit.  

[John Kenealy]

Another angle of UFD Engine 1, and Rescue 1.  

[John Kenealy]

Pulling tools off of UFD Tower 2. 

[John Kenealy]

Tower 2.

[John Kenealy]

UFD Special Hazards 1.  Usually seen on Haz Mat scenes.