On Monday, July 29th 2019, Potsdam Police contacted Potsdam Fire advising of a possible fire at Mid-Town Apartments. The caller reported that she could hear a fire alarm sounding below her apartment and could see smoke coming out the window below. At 0612 hours, Potsdam Fire Engine 49 (R. Crowe) responded, followed by Tower 5 (J. Keleher) and arrived at 0613 hours. Engine 49 estalished a water supply at the nearest fire hydrant and connected to the building standpipe system.

Personel on scene reported smoke showing on the second floor of Mid-Town Apartments. 36-3 (Dan McGregor) arrived and assumed command. Firefighters found that the tenant was attempting to put his ashes from cigarettes into a bowl that melted and caught the plastic on a table on fire. Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire utilizing a water extinguisher on the bowl and the table area. Firefighters remained on scene and vented the building until the alarm could be reset. The cause of the fire was listed as accidental in nature. Potsdam Fire was back in service at 0656 hours.