Massive Flames Trigger Defensive Operations on Grand Central Avenue in Chemung County

Elmira Heights, NY - Firefighters from the Elmira Heights Fire Department mobilized early Thursday morning to provide critical aerial master-stream support at a major working structure fire along Grand Central Avenue in the City of Elmira.

In the early morning hours of October 1, 2026, Elmira Heights personnel were dispatched on mutual aid to assist Elmira Fire Fighters (IAFF Local 709) at the scene of a confirmed structure fire in the 1500 block of Grand Central Avenue. While responders were en route to the station, Captain 712 communicated with Chief Officer 602, reporting heavy fire showing from the structure and requesting that Elmira Heights deploy their aerial apparatus, Truck 751, in place of an engine company.

Upon arrival at the fireground, Elmira Heights Truck 751 was positioned on the northeast corner of the building to initiate high-volume aerial operations. Due to severe fire loading and compromised structural conditions, incident commanders transitioned to a defensive posture, utilizing Truck 751's elevated master streams alongside ground crews to suppress the heavy body of fire and protect surrounding exposures.