Gates Fire District

2355 Chili Avenue

Rochester, NY 14624
585-426-2720
WWW.GATESFD.ORG

PRESS RELEASE: Noel Drive House Explosion 12-9-2020

At 6:11 PM on Wednesday December 9, 2020 the Gates Fire District in Rochester, NY began
receiving multiple reports of a house fire and unknown type explosion in the area of Noel Drive
off Lyell Avenue in North Gates. Within five minutes of the initial dispatch time Gates Fire units
went on location and confirmed a house explosion on Noel Drive with subsequent fire spread
into two other residences on the street.

Prior to the arrival of on-duty fire department personnel, an off-duty firefighter who lived in the
area assessed the situation at hand and was successfully able to evacuate the two additional
homes that caught fire. His swift action saved the lives of a number of neighbors.

While the cause of the fire is under investigation and could continue to be for several days it
was noted by Gates Command Staff that this fire was more difficult in nature due to a
free-flowing gas line that fed it. This action made it difficult for firefighters to conduct searches of
the original fire building and contain the fire itself.

We are happy to report that despite the extensive damage suffered to the three homes and
other properties in the area there were no injuries to civilians or firefighters. The homeowner
was located safe, not home, nearly three hours into the incident.

The incident went to 4-alarms, bringing approximately 30 pieces of fire apparatus from upwards
of 10 fire districts in the greater Rochester area to the scene. While fire resources were on
scene, multiple fire companies were used to backfill and provide coverage for all districts
affected. In addition to the fire district mutual assistance received we had multiple contingencies
on scene such as Rochester Gas and Electric (RGE), Gate Police, EMS, code enforcement, and
others. The extra help was much appreciated and played an extensive role in the overall
success of the operation.

More information will be forthcoming as the situation evolves. For questions regarding this
incident please contact Assistant Chief Timothy Goole ​tgoole@gatesfd.org