(Connor Archard / Sun Sports Photography Editor)
(Connor Archard / Sun Sports Photography Editor)
(Connor Archard / Sun Sports Photography Editor)
(Connor Archard / Sun Sports Photography Editor)
By AKANE OTANI
Updated Friday afternoon with additional information
A fire broke out at 202 Eddy St. shortly before 1 a.m. Friday morning, displacing 12 residents and destroying the interior of the three-story house.
Two students living in the residence were home when the fire began, but they were able to get out safely, according to the Ithaca Fire Department. All of the residents of the house — Cornell students — are accounted for and uninjured.
Emergency responders are unsure of what caused the fire.
Police tape and emergency responder vehicles blocked off much of Eddy Street, but dozens of students gathered outside to watch the fire as it ripped through the top of the house. Many took pictures; others hugged their friends.
As firefighters continued trying to stop the fire, black debris began falling from the top of the house. Some students voiced their frustrations at the length of time it was taking to put out the fire, saying, “Just aim!” and “Come on.”
By 2:15 a.m., most of the students cleared out, leaving the street empty except for the emergency responders. Firefighters were able to bring the fire under control by 3 a.m. and remained on the street past 6:30 a.m. to put out and check for hot spots in the house.
The displaced residents were offered shelter at friends’ houses for the night, police said. Cornell has also offered the students accommodations and is assisting the residents with finding new housing.
Firefighters are continuing to investigate the cause of the fire.
Check back for updates to this breaking news story.