RFD: Fire on Kosciusko Street ruled arson, house demolished

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – There was another fire in the City of Rochester. Through investigation, the Rochester Fire Department Arson Task Force has declared the fire an arson.          

RFD got multiple calls for a fire at a vacant house on Kosciusko Street on Saturday. The fire even extended to a neighboring vacant house, seriously damaging one of its walls.

RFD has been dealing recently with an uptick in fires, especially in vacant buildings, but the department assures us they’re capable of handling them all.

“It’s kind of part of the job. They’re all working hard. They’re all capable of doing it. It’s not unusual for them. As of late, probably the last three weeks, there’s been quite a rash of fires. But everybody’s staying healthy and staying strong and fighting on,” said Deputy Chief Jeffrey Prince.

Officials say the house at 45 Kosciusko Street was demolished due to structural instability. The neighboring house has moderate smoke, fire, and heat damage and RFD says it is inhabitable.

One firefighter suffered a minor burn and was taken to Strong Memorial Hospital. The investigation is still ongoing.