Crews Respond to Garage Fire in Horseheads, NY

Multiple fire departments contained the blaze within 20 minutes.

Feb. 9, 2026 at 3:55pm

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Several fire departments in Chemung County, New York were called to a garage fire in Horseheads on Monday morning. The fire was contained within 20 minutes, and a fire investigator later determined the cause was a kerosene heater that was too close to flammable items.

Why it matters

Garage fires can pose a serious risk to nearby homes and businesses, so the quick response and containment of this fire likely prevented more extensive damage. The investigation into the cause also helps identify potential fire hazards that residents should be aware of.

The details

The fire broke out around 11 a.m. on Monday, February 9th on Fourth Street in the Village of Horseheads. Crews from the Horseheads, Elmira Heights, Town and Country, Village of Millport, and Chemung County fire departments responded, along with police and utility workers. Upon arrival, heavy smoke was seen coming from the garage, and firefighters had to open up walls and crawl spaces to fully extinguish the blaze.

  • The fire was reported around 11 a.m. on Monday, February 9, 2026.
  • Firefighters contained the fire within 20 minutes of arriving on the scene.
  • The full response and investigation took around an hour to complete.

The players

Horseheads Fire/Rescue Department

The local fire department that responded to the call and led the firefighting efforts.

Elmira Heights Fire Department

One of the neighboring fire departments that provided mutual aid and assistance at the scene.

Horseheads Fire/Rescue Department Investigator

The fire investigator who determined the cause of the blaze was a kerosene heater that was too close to flammable items.

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The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of fire safety practices, such as properly using and maintaining heating equipment, to prevent accidental blazes that can quickly spread and cause significant damage. The coordinated response from multiple fire departments also demonstrates the value of mutual aid agreements in rural and suburban areas.