Rome Firefighters Save Elderly Woman in One-Minute Rescue

When fire broke out on the second floor of a Rome, New York home on August 25, firefighters had one goal: get everyone out fast.

The Rome Fire Department responded to 313 Scott Avenue at 12:19 p.m. after receiving the call from Oneida County's 911 Center. Within just one minute, crews were on scene facing smoke pouring from the second-floor windows of the two-story residence.

Two people were home when the fire started. One resident managed to escape on their own before firefighters arrived, but an elderly woman remained trapped inside a rear apartment on the second floor.

Firefighters didn't hesitate. They entered the smoke-filled building, located the woman, and brought her out safely. The entire rescue happened in minutes, showcasing the quick thinking and training these first responders rely on every day.

Once everyone was safe, crews turned their attention to the flames. Using a single hose line, they brought the fire under control within 10 minutes of arrival. Not a single firefighter was injured during the operation.

Why This Inspires

This rescue shows what happens when emergency systems work exactly as they should. The 911 dispatcher got the call out quickly. Firefighters arrived in 60 seconds. Training kicked in, and lives were saved.

But the story doesn't end with the rescue. Amcare Ambulance transported the elderly woman for medical evaluation. National Grid cut power and gas to ensure the home was safe. Rome Police assisted with the scene. The Red Cross stepped in to help three displaced residents find temporary housing.

Multiple agencies working together seamlessly turned a potentially tragic situation into a story of survival. The Rome Fire Department Fire Investigation Team and City of Rome Police Department are now working to determine what caused the blaze, helping prevent future incidents.

In a world where seconds matter, Rome's firefighters proved that preparation, speed, and teamwork save lives.