GENEVA — “Careless smoking” caused a minor house fire Sunday afternoon, City Fire Chief Del Parrotta said Monday.
According to Parrotta, firefighters were called to Union Street, which runs between Milton and Castle streets, at about 12:45 p.m. for a report of smoke outside.
He said Geneva fire units were on scene about two minutes later and found smoke coming from a residence at 16 Union St. Parrotta said firefighters determined a fire was burning inside the exterior wall near a side entrance door on the south side of the residence. A full fire response was requested.
Parrotta said firefighters “quickly deployed a hose line, established a water supply from a hydrant on Milton Street, and began opening the exterior wall to access and extinguish the fire.”
Parrotta added that crews checked for a potential extension of the fire and used ventilation equipment to clear smoke from the residence’s interior. Within 15 minutes, the fire was contained to the exterior area and brought under control.
“The Geneva Fire Department’s rapid response and immediate intervention ensured the protection of life and the conservation of property,” he said.
Parrotta said three occupants were inside the residence at the time of the fire and all exited safely. Additionally, the occupants were able to remain in the home following the fire.
Investigators determined “careless smoking” to be the cause of the fire, Parrotta said.
There were no injuries.
The White Springs and West Lake Road fire departments assisted at the scene, as did the Ontario County Emergency Management Office, Ontario County 911 Center, and Mercy Flight EMS (formerly Finger Lakes Ambulance).
Parrotta said the Geneva Police Department also deployed a drone to assist with aerial scene assessment.
The Geneva Fire Department was back in service a little over an hour after getting the call.