City of Rome Urging Public to Stay Away from Fire Scene

The Oneida County Sheriff's Office says one person has died in the apartment fire in the city of Rome at the Countryside Apartments, and now officials are continuing to urge the public to stay clear of the area.

"At this time, the Oneida County Sheriff's Office is no longer attempting to locate any unaccounted-for residents of the apartment complex. One of the residents was located safe and was not present during this incident. A second individual was located deceased in an apartment on the property. The Oneida County Sheriff's Office is currently being assisted by the Onondaga County Medical Examiner's Office in an attempt to positively identify the deceased individual. Once a positive identification and next of kin notification are complete, the name of the deceased individual will be released."

Rome officials say the Rome Oriskany Road remains closed to vehicle traffic from Liberty Street to Monument Road in response to the tragic fire at the Countryside Apartments on Rome Oriskany Road. Four local fire departments have been on the scene since early Tuesday morning trying to knock down the fully involved structure fire and hot spots. "Please avoid this area as many first responder vehicles are present and moving equipment in and out as necessary."

As a result of the large water demand to suppress this structure fire, a water main break on the distribution main on Rome Oriskany Road has evolved forcing low water pressure in the immediate area. The City of Rome Water Department was at the scene fighting friugid temperatures on Tuesday making the necessary repairs to restore the pipe and water pressure.

The City of Rome says the area is currently being patrolled by NYS Troopers and Oneida County Sheriff’s office for safety. Please use caution in the area and give the first responders and the Water Department personnel the space they need to complete these tasks.

"Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones affected by this tragedy and all of our first responders assisting." said Mayor Jeff Lanigan's office.

Filed Under: apartment fire

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