Fire News New York State 4-2026

Brockport 3-Alarm

Residential Fire

Brockport firefighters arrived to smoke coming from the attic.

See story on page 4

Stolen Bus Hits House

Firefighters from South Schenectady responded to a report of a bus striking a house.

See story on page 8

Amsterdam Structure Fire

The Amsterdam Fire Department was dispatched to a report of smoke in a residence.

2 Fatalities at Douglass Avenue Blaze

Serving Fire & EMS Heroes Since 1973

FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher/CEO

TIM EDWARDS, Chief Operating Officer

GARY P. JOYCE, Editor

MYLES QUINN, Long Island Editor

MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production

LYNN SEDLER, Art Director

CLIFF CHIESA, Production Manager

BARBARA CONNOLLY, Vice President National Sales

SUZANNE BANCROFT, Business Development Manager

BRYAN LOPEZ, Editorial Assistant

GREG JONES, Graphic Artist

DENNIS WHITTAM, Editor Emeritus

CONTRIBUTORS: Andrew Aguilar, Chris Aldous, Jeff Ambroz, Peter Barber, Kevin Barry, John Bashaw, Bill Bennett, Tom Bierds, Jeff Couch, Chris Creighton, David Denniston, Rick Douglas, Brian Duddy, Stan Dybus, John Falcone, Ken Flynn, Joe Fortunato, Eli Gill, Mark Gillen, Carol Greene, Tom Heffernan Sr., Greg Herman, Matt Hodge, Steve Hodgekiss, Robert Holley, Daniel Imfield, Andy Jarchin, Bill Johnson, Mark Johnson, Chris Kalisak, Charlie Keller, Jon Kemp, Gordon Kotars, David R. LaRocco, Stephen Lenz, Joshua Long, Mike Messar, Ralph Miele, Albert Mignone, John Miller, Martin E. Miller, Lloyd Mitchell, Brian Natoli, Carleton Raab, Robert Reynolds, Lauren Rivera, Stephen Schaefer, Deborah Schweikert, Tom Shand, John Shaw, Sharon Siegel, Robert Simpson, Joe Sperber, Bryan Sypniewski, Karen Todd, Kyle Townsend, Joe Turner, Michael VanDerLieth, Lori Washburn, D.B. Weimer, Stephen White. Columnists: Bruce Johnson, John Salka

COPYRIGHT 2026, THE FIRE NEWS INC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED FOR MORE INFORMATION, (631) 776-0500 Advertising: Ext 3, Editorial: Ext 281 or LI@firenews.com

FDNY Engine Company 289 and Tower Ladder 138 responded to heavy fire on the first floor.

See story on page 12

High CO Reading Precedes 3 Explosions

FDNY Engine Company 216 and Ladder Company 104 transmitted a 10-75 for high CO readings.

See story on page 16

Fire in Vacant House Quickly Under Control

Two alarms were sounded for a house fire.

See story on page 10 See story on page 18

page 24

Reaching 17 States with 14 Editions

Long Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, S. Carolina, Virginia, Washington DC, West Virginia, and Wildwood, NJ

page 30

Brockport 3-Alarm Residential Fire

Brockport firefighters arrived at Fair Street on February 2, 2026, 0823 hours, to smoke coming from the attic. Chief Leggett declared a working fire. The crew from Pumper 234 established a water supply and the fire was initially located in the basement with crews reporting heavy smoke. As they pushed into the basement, firefighters indicated the basement was involved in flames. At 0843 command declared a second alarm. Shortly thereafter, crews reported

the fire was in the wall extending to the first floor. At 0909 command declared a third alarm, as crews reported heavy fire breaking out on the second floor. The fire had moved through the walls to the upper floors. The fire was declared under control by command at 1009. Nine fire companies with 50 firefighters from the Tri-County area participated.

- All photos and story by Christopher Martin, District PIO

Car into Building in Newburgh

responded.

–

Stolen Bus Hits House

Firefighters from South Schenectady responded to North Wescott Avenue in Rotterdam at 0535 hours on February 26, 2026, after a report of a bus striking a house. After further investigation, it was learned that three juveniles had stolen the bus, lost control crashed

through a chain link fence and struck the residence. All three were apprehended a day later. There was minor damage to the home.

Amsterdam Structure Fire

Brooklyn 2-Alarmer Extends Before Stop

On February 15, 2026, Engine Company 233 and Ladder 176 transmitted a 10-75 for fire on the roof of a private dwelling on Decatur Street in Brooklyn. The 37 Battalion transmitted a second alarm as

fire extended into an occupied apartment building. Units used three hoselines to aggressively knock down the fire. Searches throughout were negative. – Fire News photos by Lloyd Mitchell

2 Fatalities at Douglass Avenue Blaze

FDNY Engine Company 289 and Tower Ladder 138 responded to a phone alarm for a fire on Douglass Avenue on February 7, 2026. They had heavy fire on the first floor, as they were rescuing several people. The 46 Battalion transmitted a second alarm as fire took over the second floor and attic space, and members were forced into a defensive posture. A pair of tower ladders were put into operation

along with a master stream. The 13th Division transmitted third and fourth alarm following a collapse of the rear of the two-story building. A 34-year-old woman and a 17-day-old baby were pronounced deceased. The mother was found the night of the fire and the baby a few days later. – Fire News photos by Lloyd Mitchell

2-Alarm Fire in Brooklyn Auto Repair Shop

FDNY Engine Company 250 and Ladder Company 148 transmitted a 10-75 for a fire in a two-story auto body shop on McDonald Avenue on February 21, 2026. Units advanced on the second floor but were quickly removed by the 48 Battalion as conditions were

not improving and there was a frozen hydrant and heavy fire venting through the roof. A short time later the 15th Division transmitted a second alarm. Over 100 firefighters used five hoses to knock down the main body of fire. – Fire News photos

Rescues at Brooklyn 3-Alarmer

FDNY Engine Company 249 and Ladder Company 113 transmitted a 10-75 for heavy fire on the third floor of a three-story mixed occupancy building on Church Avenue just after 2230 hours on February 20, 2026. Units rescued multiple people over ground lad-

ders as fire was extending into the cockloft. Units used four hoselines to knock down the main body of fire. Searches throughout were negative. The fire ultimately went to a third alarm. – Fire News

High CO Reading Precedes 3 Explosions

ings were at 400 psi, and quickly expanded to 1000 psi, preceding a sudden explosion from three underground manholes. It took seven hours to bring under control. – Fire

Fire in Vacant House Quickly Under Control

On February 27, 2026, two alarms were sounded for a house fire on Pennsylvania Avenue at 0435 hours in the Mont Pleasant neighborhood in the City of Schenectady. Firefighters found a house fully charged with smoke, with flames through the roof on the B side of

the structure. Several handlines were deployed to bring the fire under control in less than an hour.

– Fire News photos by Peter R. Barber

Fatality at Bushwick Trench Collapse

One worker died and two were rescued by FDNY units from a collapsed trench at a construction site on Jefferson Street in Bushwick, Brooklyn, on February 26, 2026. A two-story dwelling was undergoing foundation work when a portion of the rubble foundation collapsed, trapping the workers. – Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

Attached Garage Fire Threatens Schenectady House

On February 6, 2026, multiple calls for a structure fire flooded dispatch for a reported garage fire on Regal Avenue in Schenectady. Engine 4 was first to arrive and reported heavy fire consuming the garage and spreading to the adjoining house. A big line backed up

by an attack line quickly brought the fire under control, keeping flames from getting into the house, which sustained major smoke damage. The cause was not known and all occupants escaped safely. – Fire News photos by Peter R. Barber

Local Fire Company Picks Up the Tab

The Union Vale Fire Company in Verbank, Dutchess County, began collecting aluminum beverage tabs for Ronald McDonald House Charities in Albany the end of 2024. To date, 169 pounds of aluminum tabs have been collected for the charity. Union Vale Fire District (UVFD)Public Information Officer Kathy Welsh has partnered with the Eastern District Home Bureau of NYS Federation of Home Bureau Inc. which includes Home Bureau Eastern District Chairperson Alice Dickson, Dutchess County Home Bureau Chairperson Anne Christmas, and Eastern District/Dutchess County Home Bureau Community Service Chairperson Marie Elliott to collect aluminum tabs for Ronald McDonald House Charities. Welsh said, “When I heard the Home Bureau was collecting aluminum tabs for a worthy cause, it occurred to me that we could help to collect even more aluminum tabs and invite the public to participate.” And the public has come through in flying colors!

“For example, 2nd Assistant Chief Travis Floyd of Wassaic Fire Rescue ‘The Blue Crew’ noticed our campaign on social media and decided they would collect tabs for us,” said Welsh. As a surprise in December 2025, they delivered five pounds of tabs right to the firehouse! “ These tabs will be given to the Ronald McDonald House in Albany to help with their heating expenses. We are very grateful to Kathy Welsh, the fire department, and the entire community for partnering with us and helping to support this project,” said Community Service Chairperson Marie Elliott. Elliott added, “As a result of Dutchess County sharing this collaborative effort at a state meeting, other areas have begun to initiate their own collaborations to benefit their local Ronald McDonald houses.” Welsh said the fire company will continue their campaign. As a courtesy, and for the

public’s convenience, there is a drop-off container at the Union Vale Town Hall, 249 Duncan Road, where the public can bring their aluminum tabs Monday through Thursday, 9 am to 4 pm. We are very happy to help the Eastern District Home Bureau of NYS to ultimately help Ronald McDonald House Charities,” said Welsh. - Submitted by Union Vale FD PIO Kathy Welsh

Man vs Machine

NewtoTHEM

Bronx 5-Alarmer

FDNY Engine Company 92 and Ladder Company 92 transmitted a 10-75 for a fire in a mixed used structure on Finaly Avenue. The 17th Battalion transmitted a second alarm. The fire extended to the

KAREN EMORY APPOINTED PRESIDENT OF FEMSA

The Fire and Emergency Manufacturers and Services Association (FEMSA) is pleased to announce that Karen Emory has officially assumed the role of President of the association. Emory, who has been an active and highly engaged member of the FEMSA Board of Directors since 2018, brings extensive experience, proven leadership, and a deep commitment to advancing the fire and emergency services industry.

Throughout her tenure on the Board, Emory has served in several key leadership capacities, including Vice President and Secretary/Treasurer. She has also been a longtime and dedicated member of the FEMSA Nominating Committee, contributing significantly to board development and organizational governance.

Emory currently serves as Vice President of Hi‑Tech Fire & Safety, Inc., a leading provider of high‑quality fire, EMS, and rescue equipment. The company is recognized for delivering top-tier solutions such as structural firefighting gear, extrication tools, and advanced air purification systems—resources vital to supporting first responders in their critical missions.

“I am honored to step into the role of President and continue working alongside our exceptional members and partners,” Emory said. “FEMSA plays a vital role in elevating the emergency services community, and I look forward to strengthening our collective impact in the years ahead.”

FEMSA congratulates Karen Emory on her new leadership role and looks forward to the expertise, energy, and vision she will bring as President.

the

NOMINATIONS SOUGHT FOR 2026 EMERGENCY VEHICLE TECHNICIAN OF THE YEAR

Susan Nicol – The Emergency Vehicle Technician of the Year Award will honor EVTs who keep their fire apparatus and fleets on the road for the next emergency.

Firehouse and Spartan Fire Chassis have partnered again this year to honor those who keep the emergency vehicle fleets on the road with the 2026 Emergency Vehicle Technician (EVT) of the Year Award.

Nominations for the 2026 EVT of the Year Awards opened today, with the winner being honored at the Fire Truck Training Conference later this year.

“We’re excited to continue this partnership with Spartan Fire Chassis and REV, which allows us to highlight the unsung heroes of fire and emergency fleet management,” said Firehouse Editor-in-Chief Peter Matthews. “As fire apparatus and emergency vehicles become more complex, the EVTs hone their skills year-after-year, staying up to date with the latest technology and standards to ensure firefighters are ready to roll at any time of the day.”

The winner will be honored by Firehouse and Spartan Fire Chassis at the 2026 Fire Truck Training Conference (FTTC) in Lansing, MI, in September.

“Spartan Fire Chassis has been a proud sponsor of the EVT Award since 2017. We look forward to honoring the 2026 winner at our annual Fire Truck Training Conference (FTTC) in Lansing, Michigan this fall”, said Chris McClung, vice president of the Fire Group, Terex Corporation.

The EVT of the Year Award was created in 2003 by Janet Wilmoth, Firehouse’s Special Projects Editor, to recognize mechanics and vehicle technicians after witnessing the work of her brother, an Illinois-based EVT, and others who are dedicated to keeping first responder vehicles on the road.

Since then, dozens of EVTS have been recognized for their outstanding efforts to maintain emergency vehicles and create innovative solutions for their fleet's unique needs.

FTTC has been the leading hands-on training event for EVTs since 1999, first launched by Spartan Motors.

Over the years, it has evolved into a full week of intense sessions, along with EVT Certification testing and is sponsored by REV Fire Group and REV Ambulance Group.

You can find the criteria and submit your EVT of the Year nomination here. The deadline for submissions is April 29.

Bronx 5-Alarmer

(continued from page 24)

Charity Hockey Game in Troy

The Troy Fire Department and Saratoga Springs Fire Department joined together for the Collar City Classic Hockey Game. Each year this event brings hundreds of supporters to the RPI Field House to support charity. This year, the Troy Fire Department went home the

winner but the charity was the ultimate winner of everyone’s time and generosity through raffles and donations.

– Submitted by Lori Washburn; Photos By Truck

Charity Hockey in Troy

(continued from page 26)

Winona Lake FD Installation Dinner

Up Close & Personal

Evening of Awards for Niskayuna 2

On February 28, 2026, Niskayuna 2 Fire Department held it’s annual Installation banquet. The evening was filled with honoring many of their members. Senator Jim Tedesco was on hand to present Bradley Nethaway with Firefighter of the Year award. Senator Tedesco also helped present Leroy ‘Bud’ Wyman with his 50 Year award with the department. Bud was surrounded by his daughters and son (past Chief Josh Wyman) who reflected on how his father influenced his career, both being police officers and firefighters. Assistant Chief Tom Henery and Firefighter Kevin Holmes were given awards by Regional Emergency Medical Organization for their rapid application of CPR for a resident in cardiac arrest. With the assis-

tance from members of Niskayuna 1 they were able to bring the patient back to spontaneous circulation.

The resident was fortunate that the firefight-

ers were able to perform the Advanced Life Support and was successfully transported to the local hospital for further treatment. Jesse Holland was presented with not only 25 years of service with the department award but also the Lifetime Achievement Award voted on by members of the department. It is a testament to his dedication and impact on the members of the department. It was a spectacular evening showcasing members dedication to their department and residents.

– Submitted by Lori Washburn; Photos By Truck