Staff Report / June 3, 2025
A fire that broke out in the east stairwell of the Asteri Apartments in downtown Ithaca on Monday evening has been ruled suspicious by investigators. Fire crews responded around 5:30 p.m. and quickly extinguished the flames, but smoke and toxic gases spread throughout the 12-story building, prompting the temporary evacuation of residents. No injuries were reported, though several individuals were treated for smoke inhalation by Bangs Ambulance.
Due to the scale of the incident, a third alarm was dispatched, bringing mutual aid from Newfield, Lansing, and Cayuga Heights fire departments. The City of Ithaca Building Department, Tompkins Community Action, and the Downtown Ithaca Alliance also assisted with recovery efforts. Residents were allowed to return to their units shortly after 10 p.m. following ventilation and cleanup of soot and debris.
Anyone with information about the fire is urged to contact the Ithaca Police Department tip line at (607) 330-0000.
