Utica Fire Department Historical Society, Inc

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Utica Fire Department Historical Society, Inc The City of Utica Fire Department was established June 1st, 1874. President: Deputy Chief John Kelly
Vice President: Ret. Chief James Barefoot
Treasurer: Capt.

John Karwacki
Secretary: FF Patrick Green

On this day in 1983 the Utica Police and fire departments were dispatched to an explosion at 720 Eagle St. The home was ...
10/23/2026

On this day in 1983 the Utica Police and fire departments were dispatched to an explosion at 720 Eagle St. The home was owned by Thomas Bretti who ran the Amfrost Fish Business on Whitesboro St. Deputy Police Chief Nick Yagey ran the investigation and initially stated this was a homemade explosive device. The bomb exploded when Bretti walked towards his front door; it threw him into the front of the house, he was found bleeding on the porch. He survived the explosion.

On this day in 1944, Utica Fire responded to a 1st Alarm Fire at 291 Genesee St. - The Elks Club. Fire Chief Leo Barry r...
10/23/2026

On this day in 1944, Utica Fire responded to a 1st Alarm Fire at 291 Genesee St. - The Elks Club. Fire Chief Leo Barry reported that flames started in a store room in the rear of the building. It quickly spread to the kitchen and the front store room. The floor collapsed at the rear of the building. Walter Barber of No 1 Engine Company dropped on the rear lawn due to exhaustion and was taken to Faxton Hospital.

In 1966, Utica Fire responded to a 1st Alarm Fire at 508 Reels Drive.

Finally on this day in 1972, a 1st Alarm with 2 Special Calls was recorded at 207 Rutger St. - Wyansego Investors (3 Story Multi-occupancy). Deputy Chief Nicholas Sweet reported no injuries, and multiple occupants displaced.

On this day in 1948 the Utica Fire Department responded to a 2nd Alarm Fire at 1600 Kemble St. The Kemble Street School....
10/22/2026

On this day in 1948 the Utica Fire Department responded to a 2nd Alarm Fire at 1600 Kemble St. The Kemble Street School. Chief Barry and Deputy Chief McNally led the investigation. An insurance settlement of $26,446.00 was recorded.

On this day in 2008 a 2nd Alarm Fire occurred at 1329 Thorn St. The corner of Thorn and York Streets. This was the forme...
10/22/2026

On this day in 2008 a 2nd Alarm Fire occurred at 1329 Thorn St. The corner of Thorn and York Streets. This was the former Lynton's Restaurant. Flames destroyed the 3.5 story vacant restaurant and upstairs apartments.

Leonard and Edith Giacovelli established the first-floor restaurant on Thorn St. during the mid-1940s. By the 1980s, two Giacovelli sisters - Lynarda Girmonde and Deanna Santino - began managing the restaurant.

Investigators with the Utica Arson Task Force finally entered the building later in the day to look for a cause.

Early that summer (2008), the property was targeted by city police for possible drug activity, city Public Safety Commissioner Daniel LaBella said. In July, police raided one of the upstairs apartments and located illegal drugs, he said.

Fire Chief Russell Brooks II recalled the days of Lynton's. He stated their reputation would grow as a family establishment known for its Italian cuisine and Friday fish fry dinners that were “second-to-none."

On this day in 2023 firefighters fought a 2nd alarm fire at 923 Brayton Park Place. The fire began on the second floor r...
10/21/2026

On this day in 2023 firefighters fought a 2nd alarm fire at 923 Brayton Park Place. The fire began on the second floor rear and spread to the entire attic. When the alarm was called in several UFD apparatus were out of service on other alarms. Because of this the Yorkville Fire Department was requested to the fire for manpower assistance. Photos by Anthony Stack.

On this day in 1997 a 2nd Alarm Fire occurred at 700 Fay St. The Believers Miracle Deliverance Ministries Church. The Ut...
10/20/2026

On this day in 1997 a 2nd Alarm Fire occurred at 700 Fay St. The Believers Miracle Deliverance Ministries Church. The Utica Arson Strike Force investigated this blaze and determined it to be arson. The damage to the church was extensive. Bystanders watched as the steeple fell into the church.

Joseph Brown and Jimmy Jackson were later found guilty of arson related charges. Prosecutors stated that Jackson acted as a lookout outside the church, while Brown and 2 other men went inside with gasoline, flames erupted shortly after.

Keith Hunt with WKTV has footage of this church fire starting at 2:00 in this video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9X_469Cu9fA

On this day in 1981 a 1st Alarm with Special Call occurred at 616 Lenox Ave. FF's George Briggs and Ray Ulrich sufferred...
10/20/2026

On this day in 1981 a 1st Alarm with Special Call occurred at 616 Lenox Ave. FF's George Briggs and Ray Ulrich sufferred cuts and were treated at Faxton Hospital. The fire was fed by gusting winds and it extensively damaged the 2.5 story house that was vacant.

On this day in 1951 the Utica Fire Department responded to a 2nd Alarm Fire at 217 South St. The brick building was owne...
10/20/2026

On this day in 1951 the Utica Fire Department responded to a 2nd Alarm Fire at 217 South St. The brick building was owned by Frank Goldberg and occupied Johnathan Lodge.

On this day in 1917 a 1st Alarm Fire occurred at 228 Bleecker St. - Nichols Furniture. A 5 Story Brick Building.
10/19/2026

On this day in 1917 a 1st Alarm Fire occurred at 228 Bleecker St. - Nichols Furniture. A 5 Story Brick Building.

On this day in 1912 a 1st Alarm Fire was dispatched at 1105 Lansing St.
10/18/2026

On this day in 1912 a 1st Alarm Fire was dispatched at 1105 Lansing St.

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1320 Bleecker Street
Utica, NY
13501

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