1 killed, several injured in Jerold Street fire

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — The Rochester Fire Department says one person died in a fire on Jerold Street Wednesday morning. One woman was helped out but taken to the hospital for injuries.

A firefighter on the scene was also taken to the hospital with an injured foot. Two more firefighters sustained minor injuries but continued to work.

RFD said smoke detectors were working properly. The fire was on both the first and second floors of the home. There was also minimal damage caused to the two houses on either side.

The house was destroyed in the fire is now being torn down because of safety concerns.

NOW: A fire that took the life of one and injured two others on Jerold Street overnight, is being torn down due to safety concerns of it collapsing, and it being a total loss. @news10nbc pic.twitter.com/h9HIxWhB4X

— Stephanie Duprey (@WHEC_SDuprey) January 5, 2022

Neighbors along Jerold Street told News10NBC that a mother and her son live at the house and that flames and smoke were so intense, they were woken up by screams and sirens early Wednesday morning.

"The fire department and loud noises woke me up, I couldn’t really come out on the street was blocked off, this was just the worst,” said Islam Spirles.

Fire officials say the flames engulfed the first and second floors of the home. When they arrived on the scene, the woman was already safe, but screaming for the other person still trapped inside.

"Heavy flames and smoke, we had people out front saying that there was still someone trapped inside,” Rochester Fire Department, Lt. Jeffrey Simpson said.

Fire crews had to battle the fire from the outside.

"Once the fire was knocked down from the outside, they went back inside to make another search, they did find one person inside of the building who is deceased Simpson said.

A few hours after the deadly fire, firefighters turned their attention to neighbors, going door to door asking about fire alarms and offering people help to make sure that in the event of a fire, they’re prepared.

"We’ve put in a couple and we’ve checked a couple," Simpson said. "We just want to make sure people are safe in their homes. And we want to let them know that we’re here for any type of fire safety needs they need. Whether it’s just to talk about fire safety, a fire safety inspection."

If a firefighter isn’t around and you need a smoke alarm installed you can call 311.