HTN: Fourth Night Keeps Firefighters Busy

A fire that started late Friday night was still being tended by Buffalo fire crews last night. The fire started in Hickory Woods, at a city-owner warehouse being leased to Modern Disposal for recyclable materials storage. The blaze, which appears to be arson, left around 700-thousand dollars worth of damage. Four grass and tire fires were set across the railroad tracks from the scene, and firefighters tending the warehouse fire were called away to put those out as well. No arrests have been made.

HTN: East Side, West Side Fires Overnight

Buffalo firefighters battled overnight fires on opposite sides of the city. The first fire was a two-alarm blaze at 393 E. Utica on the East Side. The blaze started on the second floor and extended to both the attic and the first floor, fire officials said. The fire caused $90,000 damage to the home, plus another $5,000 damage next door. Half an hour later, firefighters responded to 428 Baynes Ave., on the West Side, where three residents were taken to the hospital . The Red Cross also was called to assist two adults forced from their home.

HTN: Fire Union Wants Cirt Finance Chief Out

The head of the Buffalo firefighters union is calling for the ouster of the city's finance commissioner. Fire union president Daniel Cunningham says the Mayor should replace Finance Commissioner Janet Penska for claiming firefighters abuse overtime. The city's fire overtime now stands at more than ten-million dollars per year, up nearly five-fold from five years ago. The union says the city has not hired a new firefighter in seven years, and that contributes to the problem. Cunningham claimed the finance commissioner was jealous that some firefighters make more money than she does. Mayor Byron Brown says Penska is staying put.

NYC Man Arrested for Arson

A New York City man is accused of setting a fire in an occupied home on the West Side Sunday night. 24-year-old Adama Coulibaly was arrested yesterday morning after being found hiding in an upstairs closet in his brother's Grant Street home. The fire was started on the second floor of the home, and then spread to the attic.

HTN: Buffalo Firefighters Pile Up Overtime

It's not uncommon for retiring Buffalo firefighters to put in a little overtime in the last few months and weeks to boost their pension checks a little. A rotation system designed to evenly disperse overtime across the department should stand in their way, but right now it doesn't. Overtime has skyrocketed in recent months for those about to retire. Overtime for these firefighters doesn't just mean a big check at the end of the pay period, but big checks after their careers as well. Buffalo city pensions are decided on final or highest years' salaries.

HTN: West Side Fire

Buffalo firefighters had to use their high-rise equipment to battle a dangerous blaze on the Lower West Side. About a dozen Maryner Towers residents had to climb onto their eighth-floor balconies or hang out their open windows before they were rescued this morning.