CORTLAND, NY — August 21, 2026 —  After responding to a reported basement fire at a two-family home on Crandall Street on Friday afternoon, the Cortland Fire Department's teams put out the fire in around ten minutes.

At at 3:33 p.m., the department was sent out. When the first firemen arrived, they found a lot of smoke and set up a 2-inch attack line in the basement. The upper living rooms were not affected by the fire, which was limited to the basement.

Simultaneously, firemen using self-contained breathing equipment checked the house to make sure everyone had left safely. There were no reported injuries. Although the fire remained confined to the basement, damage to essential utilities left the residence temporarily unsafe for occupancy. Three residents were displaced and were receiving emergency housing assistance from the American Red Cross. Crews remained at the scene for about two hours to complete overhaul and ventilation.

A second alarm was struck to bring additional Cortland personnel and mutual-aid resources to the scene. The Cortlandville Fire Department provided a ladder truck and Rapid Intervention Team, while the Homer Fire Department and Virgil Fire Department provided engine coverage at Cortland Fire Headquarters. The Cortland Police Department also assisted at the fire scene.

The initial investigation indicated that the fire was likely caused by a lithium-ion battery from an electric lawn mower, according to Cortland Fire Department officials. The department said working smoke alarms alerted the occupants, allowing them to evacuate and call 911. The department is reminding residents to use only manufacturer-approved charging devices for lithium-ion batteries and to remove batteries from service if they show signs of swelling, excessive heat or damage.