FNN Article © Thursday, April 9, 2026. Images by Elmira Fire Fighters IAFF Local 709 © April 7, 2026.
ELMIRA, NY – On Tuesday, April 7, 2026, around 10:07 PM, Elmira Firefighters Local 709, along with Elmira Police Department, West Elmira Volunteer Fire Department, and Erway Ambulance were all dispatched to a reported structure fire. The Chemung County 911 Center received multiple calls about a structure fire in the area of 415 West First Street, near Elm Street in an alley there. A hydrant at First and Davis Street was first to be hooked up for firefighters. Upon firefighters arrival, fire crews had to deal with heavy smoke and fire coming from the third floor of a three-story building located behind a vacant residence.
Firefighters stretched multiple handlines and initiated an aggressive interior attack. Crews encountered significant hoarder conditions throughout the vacant structure, complicating their access through the building and it hampered their suppression efforts. Firefighters had to utilize a combination of attack methods to bring the blaze under control. They were able to contain the flames to one portion of the three-story building.
Crews remained on scene for nearly 3.5 hours, conducting salvage, overhaul, and checking for any fire extensions and putting out any remaining hot spots. Crews were cleared shortly after 2:00 AM.
There were no reported injuries relating to this fire.
The cause of this structure fire still remains under investigation.
