Overview
- The blaze started in a bay of the attached garage and killed 21-year-old Syracuse University student Kayla Corrigan on Dec. 24, 2025.
- Investigators found power tools, stored flammable liquids, remains of lithium-ion batteries, and a power strip near an outlet in the garage area.
- Officials cited National Fire Protection Association guidance and classified the cause as undetermined because two or more accidental hypotheses could not be rejected.
- Authorities reported no evidence the fire was set intentionally, two other residents escaped, and the six-bedroom house suffered catastrophic damage.
- The findings highlight common garage hazards such as battery storage, ignitable liquids, and overloaded outlets and may prompt renewed public safety messaging and inspections for similar risks.