SCIPIO, NY — August 25, 2026 — Early on Tuesday morning, the Scipio Fire Department asked members of the Aurelius Volunteer Fire Department to help with an exposed barn fire.

At around 3:14 a.m., Aurelius firefighters were assigned as a rapid intervention crew (RIC). The department's duty chief, five interior firemen, and a driver from Engine 1 responded.

The Aurelius crew's initial RIC duty was changed to suppressive operations upon arrival. As firefighters continued to work at the incident, a second RIC unit was later called.

According to the department, Aurelius spent several hours at the scene before going back to his quarters at around 6:58 a.m. In the past, Scipio has had to contend with huge barn fires, such as one that occurred in 2025 close to Route 34 and Center Road that prompted a significant regional reaction. Firefighters from Scipio, Poplar Ridge, Long Hill, Union Springs, Moravia, Genoa, Fleming, Aurelius, and Owasco were involved in that incident; Owasco's RIT team was dispatched to the scene.

Additionally, Aurelius has previously offered mutual help and RIT assistance at Cayuga County agricultural fires. The agency is asked to respond to barn and structure fires in Scipio and other nearby districts, according to regional fire coverage.