Fire News New York State 7-2026

12 FFs Injured in Queens Floor Collapse

FDNY Engine Company 316 gave a 10-75 and then transmitted a second alarm for fire in multiple private dwellings See story on page 6

Vacant Dwelling Fire in Rochester

Rochester firefighters were dispatched to 7th Street for the report of a fire.

See story on page 10

Catskill FF in Stairway Collapse

A firefighter was injured after falling through the stairs during a house fire.

See story on page 15

Walden Porch Fire

The Walden Fire Department was alerted for a porch fire on Riverview Street in the Village of Walden.

See story on page 26

All Hands in Queens

FDNY companies in Queens battled an all-hands assignment in a private dwelling.

See story on page 37

Car into Garage

Menands, Schuyler Heights and Watervliet Arsenal fire departments were dispatched to a car into garage with entrapment.

See story on page 42

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12 FFs Injured in Queens Floor Collapse

On May 3, 2026, FDNY Engine Company 316 gave a 10-75 and then transmitted a second alarm for fire in multiple private dwellings on 93rd Street in Queens. A third alarm was quickly transmitted as both the officer and nozzle man from Engine 263 went through the

floor and a Mayday was given. The fire was placed under control using a fourth alarm assignment and left 12 firefighters with injuries. - Fire News photos by Lloyd Mitchell

Fatality in Jamaica Hills Fire

Clutter Hampers Basement Fire in Laurelton

Vacant Dwelling Fire in Rochester

On April 12, 2026, Rochester firefighters were dispatched to 7th Street for the report of a fire. First-in crews found smoke showing from a vacant dwelling. Engine companies stretched lines as truck companies removed plywood from the windows and door. The fire

was located in the rear of the home and was quickly knocked down bringing the incident under control.

- Fire News photos by PuckStopperPhotography.com

Flames Consume Five Tractor-Trailer Trucks in Scotia

On April 7, 2026, Beukendaal, Scotia, and Glenville Hill firefighters battled a line of tractor-trailer trucks that caught fire at the Old Dominion Freight Line Company on 7th Avenue in the Glenville

Business and Technology Park. The flames were brought under control in less than an hour and the cause was under investigation.

Brooklyn 2-Alarmer

Members of FDNY Engine Company 283 and Tower Ladder 170 arrived at Lott Avenue to find heavy fire from the first- and secondfloors of a two-story dwelling with residents at the windows on the

second floor. The residents were brought down via ladders, leaving 15 people hurt from this two-alarm fire.

EMS ACROSS LONG ISLAND & NYS

Send

NYS DoH Honors 9 Fallen EMS Providers at EMS Memorial Ceremony

The New York State Department of Health gathered May 19, 2026, to honor the lives of nine Emergency Medical Services (EMS) providers who died while serving and protecting New Yorkers. "Today we honor the legacy that these brave individuals leave for their families, their communities and their fellow responders," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "They are true heroes whose selfless acts of courage while caring for others will always be remembered." NYS Department of Health, Division of State EMS Director Ryan Greenberg said, "These brave women and men we are honoring today made great sacrifices in the pursuit of helping the people of New York. As we pay tribute to them, I am proud to stand alongside my colleagues in this community."

2026 EMS MEMO RIAL HONOREES:

Salih A. Abdur-Rahman – FDNY Paramedic. David L. Burke – FDNY Deputy Chief. Nancy Dart-Mannello – Town of Esopus Volunteer Ambulance Squad Member. Pamela S. Hehn – FDNY Lieutenant. James F. McGee IV. FDNY Lieutenant Harold E. McNeil. FDNY Lieutenant. Kevin M. Robert – LifeNet 7-13 Flight Paramedic. Lisa Jean Sillins – Ambulnz by DocGo Paramedic. Michael W. Skody, Jr. – FDNY Paramedic. This was the 22nd year that New York State has held the EMS Memorial Service.

Catskill FF in Stairway Collapse

A firefighter was injured after falling through the stairs during a house fire in Catskill on May 10. 2026, sometime after 0700 hours. Catskill Fire and Ambulance were dispatched to Grandview Avenue for reports of a house fire with a dog possibly inside. The first arriving crew split between the first and second floors to search. While climbing the stairs it collapsed and sent a firefighter down 20 feet into the basement. A Mayday was called but, fortunately, the firefighter was able to leave the house through a basement door. He was

transported to Columbia Memorial Hospital in Hudson and was released shortly after. Officials said the house was actively being renovated and the fire may have started in the walls and spread to the second floor and attic. They believed the fire burned out the stair supports which caused the collapse. Catskill was assisted by Athens, Hudson, Leeds and Greene County 911 dispatch. The cause of the fire was under investigation by the Greene County Fire Investigation Team. - Fire News photo by John C. Miller

Schenectady House Fire Displaces 9

On May 13, 2026, Schenectady firefighters battled a two-alarm fire on Gray Street in the Bellevue section of the city after fire was reported shortly after 0100 hours. First arriving Engine 3 reported heavy fire consuming the C side of the two-story wood frame structure. Reports of a woman trapped on the first floor came up nega-

tive in first and secondary searches. The fire quickly spread to the attic which collapsed into the second floor. The cause was under investigation and no injuries were reported.

- Fire News photos by Peter R. Barber

CHAPLAIN

Apartment Fire Leaves 21 Homeless

Schenectady firefighters received multiple calls for smoke coming from the rear of a three-story apartment building on Crane Street in the Mont Pleasant section of the city. A second alarm was sounded bringing the remainder of city apparatus to the scene; four engines, two tower ladders, and a light rescue. After realizing the fire had gotten into the cockloft of the building, the order came to evacuate and go defensive. An additional tower ladder truck from

neighboring Scotia and SFD Reserve Truck 3 were summoned to the scene. In all, three tower ladders, a straight stick, and deck gun from Engine 1, were simultaneously operating. The fire was brought under control in five hours and the apartment house deemed uninhabitable; 21 people were displaced and an emergency demolition was ordered.

- Fire News photos by Peter R. Barber

Brooklyn Double Fatal

On May 23, 2026, Engine Company 248 and Ladder Company 113 transmitted a 10-75 for fire on the second floor of a three-story mixed-occupancy building on Nostrand Avenue in East Flatbush,

Brooklyn. Firefighters found a man and a woman deceased in the building. They were able to rescue three other people in critical but stable condition. - Fire

1 Person Dead, 34 FFs Injured in Explosions at Staten Island Boatyard Blaze

FDNY Battalion 22 transmitted a 10-75 for a fire in a Staten Island shipyard on Richmond Terrace on May 22, 2026. The fire left one person dead and 34 firefighters injured due to multiple explosions. - Fire News

8 PD Injured During Rescue of 6 at Intentional House Explosion

On April 30, 2026, a body was recovered in the rubble after a man blew up his house on 130th Street in Richmond Hill, Queens. The fire led to eight police officers being injured while rescuing a family

of six. Multiple tower ladders and six hoselines were used to knock down the main body of fire which had gone to five alarms.

Brockport Firefighters Recieve State Grant

The Brockport Fire District has been named as one of the recipients of the Village of Brockport NY Forward program with a recent grant award.

Last year, when the Village of Brockport was awarded funds through the New York State NY Forward program to fund catalytic projects in the downtown corridor to spur revitalization, the Local Planning Committee (LPC) sought project proposals for potential projects to be included in Brockport’s Strategic Investment Plan. Projects included in the Strategic Investment Plan were reviewed by New York State and those named will receive funding from a total allocation of $4.5 million.

The Brockport Fire District, with the assistance of its grant writers at G&G Municipal Consulting, drafted a public improvement proposal to enhance the visual quality, functionality and inclusivity of the district’s main station which is located in the grant target area. G&G included in the application justification in that the fire station serves your community volunteer firefighters as part of the critical emergency response infrastructure for the Village and the surrounding Towns of Sweden and Clarkson.

The goal of the project is to support Brockport’s broader downtown revitalization efforts by replacing the aging, deteriorating overhead bay doors at the main fire station with high-quality, aesthetically appealing and energy-efficient aluminum full view doors. The planned upgrade will enhance the streetscape appearance, improve operational efficiency and reflect the Village’s commitment to quality public infrastructure within the historic district.

The new doors will allow children of all ages the opportunity to look in as they walk by, to see their fire apparatus and to interact with their community volunteers more easily when they are at the station.

For those unaware, the program calls for a match requirement of 50 percent. The district has budgeted their share anticipating the grant award. The NY Forward share will be $137,000 with the district share being the same. This will provide substantial savings to the local property taxes of the communities served as their properties are maintained.

The department is appreciative of all the partners who were instrumental in the local NY Forward Program; the Village of Brockport, the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Brockport Fire District, G&G Municipal Consulting, and the local planning committee for including us in the recommendation to NYS for this valuable partnership in improving our main building.

- Story and photo by Christopher R. Martin, District PIO

Walden Porch Fire

At 1048 hours on May 8, 2026, the Walden Fire Department was alerted for a porch fire on Riverview Street in the Village of Walden. Upon arrival, Walden personnel found heavy fire in the three-story,

Walden Porch Fire (

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Arcade & Farmersville Truck Company Training

A May 2, 2026, truck company operations training course, with the Arcade Fire Department (Wyoming County) and Farmersville Fire Department (Cattaraugus County) were held at the Wyoming

Athens Installation for 2026

The Athens Volunteer Fire Company held their annual installation and awards banquet at Anthony’s catering hall in Leeds on May 2, 2026. The newly elected Chiefs are Chief James Robbinson III, First Assistant Chief Antonio Fuentes, and Second Assistant Chief Wayne Butterworth, Jr. Line Officers are, Don Winegard Captain, and Lieutenants, Dave Disbrow, Seth Dillworth and Shawn Burdick. Fire Police Captain is Greg Walker. Our executive officers are President Alan Frisbee, Vice-President John C. Miller, Secretary Emily Lubera, Financial Secretary Tom Borfitz, Treasurer George Stacey, Sr., Chaplain is John ‘Randy’ VanValkenburg, Sergeant-atArms Ethan Young, Steward John ‘Randy’ VanValkenburg and Quartermaster is Antonio Fuentes. Board of Director are John Greco, James Robinson, Jr., Michael Gonzales, Robert Schrader,

and Jessica Vermilyea. The Eugene Fandozzi Memorial Firefighter of the Year award went to Caitlyn Lubera. Chiefs Merit Award went to Assistant Chief Antonio Fuentes. Shawn Burdick and Earl Martin IV both received the Harold VanShaack Memorial Leadership Award. Receiving Years of Service awards were, for five years George Baker, Vincent Cleveland, James McDermott, Mike Perrone, and Lauren Winegard. For 10 years of service Karen Schrader, Tom Vatalaro and Greg Walker. Twenty-year recipient was Corey Brady, and the 50Years of Service award was presented to Terry Proper. The Past Chiefs pin was presented to Wayne Butterworth, Jr. The Athens Volunteer Fire Company has been serving the community since 1805.

- Fire News photos by John C. Muller

Menands Fire Station Heavily Damaged by Fire

Shortly before 1800 hours, on May 24, 2026, the Menands Fire Station on Broadway in the Town of Colonie suffered a devastating loss of three pieces of fire apparatus after fire was discovered in the station. Firefighters from neighboring Watervliet-Arsenal,

Shaker Road, Boght, and Latham responded to the call to help control the blaze. The station also serves as the Village of Menands Town Hall and police department.

Menands

Wall Collapse at Brooklyn 4-Alarmer

On May 4, 2026, FDNY Engine Company 206 and Ladder Company 108 transmitted a 10-75 for heavy fire in a mixed-use building on Grand Street in Brooklyn. Division Chief 11 gave a second alarm and requested an additional truck as fire was traveling up through the void spaces. A third alarm was transmitted after a

wall collapsed, which was followed by a fourth. Division 11 transmitted a 10-60 for a major emergency. Units worked until the following day knocking down hot spots.

- Fire News photos by Lloyd Mitchell

Brockport Area Veterans Club Honors Fallen Heroes

In a long-standing annual tradition, members of the Brockport Area Veterans Club gathered on May 23, 2026. Despite heavy rains and high winds, the club leaders made the decision to move the ceremony inside.

“Memorial Day is the day Americans set aside to remember and honor those brave men and women who met tragic ends while defending our freedom. It is our duty to remember and honor their sacrifices, to pray for their families and to bow our heads in recognition of their service,” began the club’s Memorial Day ceremony program.

Local officials from Brockport, Sweden and Clarkson were in attendance to pay their respects as well as a group of firefighters from the Brockport Fire District. Local Scouts joined the group to present and retire our Nation’s colors and trumpeters from the Brockport High

School Band played Taps as part of the ceremony.

Patricia Connors was the mistress of ceremonies and opened the ceremony with welcoming remarks thanking everyone for braving the weather to honor our veterans. Jack Tangen, Commander of American Legion Post #379 offered a heartfelt Invocation and then presented the Annual American Legion Ceremony and Creed. The red, white and blue wreath was presented by members of the American Legion Auxiliary 379, Anita Mault, President.

The keynote address was by County Legislator Jackie Smith, followed by the Benediction by Jack Tangen. Closing remarks from Legion member William Fine were offered following the Scouts retiring the colors.

- Photo and story by Christopher R. Martin

On May 3, 2026, FDNY units from throughout the city battled a wind-driven four-alarm blaze in multiple private dwellings on 93rd Street in the East Elmhurst section of Queens. The blaze appeared to have started in the rear and quickly spread to adjoining homes. There was Mayday given early but the members were found and pulled to safety. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

Astoria 2-Alarmer

Bronx All Hands

All Hands in Queens

and exterior overhaul was required to bring the fire under control. - Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

Winona Lake Engine Co. Car Show

NewtoTHEM

Dutchess Count Fireman’s Home Visit

In addition to a barbecue, the Dutchess County Volunteer Firefighters Association (DCVFA) organized a parade for the residents, adding excitement and celebration to the day. A monetary donation was also presented to the home, with a total of $7,600 contributed to the members’ small change fund. This fund enables the residents to enjoy various activities and road trips, enhancing their quality of life. The DCVFA wishes to extend their gratitude to the staff at the Firefighter’s Home for their excellent work in making

the day memorable. Special thanks are also given to the participating fire departments including: East Fishkill Fire District, Hughsonville Fire Department, New Hamburg Fire Department, J. H. Ketcham Hose Company, New Hackensack Fire Department, Pleasant Valley Fire Department, Pawling Fire Department, Millbrook Fire Department and The Red Knights.

- Fire News photo submitted by Vinny Gavin, DCVFA

Queens Village All Hands

FirstOnScenePhotos.com

SUV Goes Though Fence and into Garage

Menands, Schuyler Heights and Watervliet Arsenal fire departments were dispatched to a car into garage with entrapment. Upon arrival, firefighters opened the sliding door to find two children in car seats both uninjured. The driver’s door was opened and he was extricated without injuries. The driver was escorted off the scene by police while firefighters helped to keep the children occupied by

showing them the fire engines. The driver had driven the SUV off the main road in between a garage and house, flying through a chain link fence and landing into a garage on another property. The towing company arrived and decided to follow the path the car drove to lift the car out of the garage and lifted it up the embankment.

KIDNEYS FOR COMMUNITIES BESTOWS CSFI’S NAC WITH NATIONAL COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD

- Submitted by Lori Washburn; Photos by Truck

FIRE STATIONS: SO MUCH TO BE DONE!

Kidneys for Communities, a national nonprofit dedicated to increasing access to life-saving kidney transplants through communitydirected living donation, bestowed a National Community Impact Award upon the Congressional Fire Services Institute’s (CSFI) National Advisory Committee (NAC) on March 18-19, 2026 in Washington DC.

The award was received by NAC Chair Preet Bassi, who is also the CEO of Center for Public Safety Excellence; NAC Vice Chair Vickie Pritchett, Vice President of Advocacy & Outreach for the National Fire Sprinkler Association; CFSI Board Member Shane Ray, National Fire Sprinkler Association President; and CFSI Executive Director Michaela Campbell.

Michaela Campbell, CFSI Executive Director said, “This recognition highlights the importance of coming together to support the health and well-being of our nation’s firefighters and first responders. We are grateful for this distinction and the opportunity to be part of such meaningful work.”

In attendance to demonstrate the organization’s focus on first responders were kidney donors and recipients who have been assisted and supported by Kidneys for Communities:

·Lucas Gorelick – a 21-year-old EMT donor whose kidney went to Christopher Romero, an NYPD Highway Patrol Officer; Daulton “DJ” Riddell – a 24-year-old Philadelphia area law enforcement hopeful who received a kidney in 2026 from an anonymous donor;John “Jack” Duncan – former US Marine and volunteer at the 9/11 Ground Zero site who received a kidney from a Canadian fire mechanic; and Venedo Alcazar – firefighter with Portland Fire & Rescue who received his kidney from Dr. Karen Doeuk, a retired nephrologist.

About Kidneys for Communities

Kidneys for Communities is a nonprofit organization dedicated to saving lives by increasing access to kidney transplants through living donation. The organization partners with communities, employers, municipalities, and first responder organizations to educate, support, and connect donors and recipients. Addressing the national shortage of living kidney donors through proactive outreach, Kidneys for Communities developed the first-ever national community-directed donation program, which unlocks connections within membership-based communities and expands the impact of paired kidney exchange. To learn more or find out how to help first responders in need of a kidney transplant, visit their website.

F.I.E.R.O. (Fire Industry Education Resource Organization), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, recently conducted a nation-wide survey on fire stations. It was an indepth survey that revealed the glaring need for fire station replacement and renovations in the U.S. One statistic that stood out was that the average age of a station is 45 years! That was 1980! Most of you reading this article were not involved in the fire service at that time and a good percentage of you were yet to be born.

Think of all the changes and needs in fire station design which have evolved during this time. For example, female firefighters are no longer an oddity, EMS first responder is now a given, hazmat response is expected, and the fire service has emerged as an all-hazards response agency.

Now we have learned how important fire station design is to contamination control, how to maximize sleep, and a host of other holistic designs that improve firefighter health and wellness. Only a few stations are designed to meet today’s needs.

To address the void in learning about how to design or renovate a fire station, please plan to attend the Annual 2026 F.I.E.R.O. Fire Station Design Symposium, September 21-24 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in beautiful downtown Greenville, S.C. The first day (Monday) will be a pre-conference seminar on “First Steps.” The main Symposium is allday Tuesday, all-day Wednesday, and a half-day on Thursday. This year there will be over 50 speakers with several presentations related to station renovation, expansion, and retrofits. Bring key members of your governing body so they understand your needs. As a sample of what F.I.E.R.O. offers, attend our one-day fire station education day on Tuesday, August 11 as part of Fire Rescue International in Kansas City, MO.

The common phrase heard from attendees is “I would have never thought of that!” Remember, fire stations must be considered “Critical Infrastructure” and they need to meet today’s needs and designed to last decades. For detailed information and registration, go to www.fieroonline.org and click on “events.”

NYS Chaplains Elect Joe McCarthy Chief Chaplain

The NYS Association of Fire Chaplains (NYSAFC) met for their 60th Annual Training Conference and elections of officers on Long Island. Outgoing Chief Chaplain Richard Bolster of St. Regis Falls opened the conference with the election of Joseph McCarthy of Southold as Chief Chaplain. Also elected: 1st Deputy Chief Steven Muhlenbruck of Commack, 2nd Deputy Chief Reverend Matthew Sanfilippo of Floral Park, Executive Secretary William Miles of Tonawanda, Treasurer David Quinn of Stuyvesant, Director of North Central Richard Duerr of Camden, Director East Kevin Barkley of Galway, At Large Director Rev. Clarice Murphy of Wingdale, Director South East Aaron Wizwer of Hurleyville, Director West Dennis Hand of Lockport, Director Central Charles Provo of Manlius, Director North Rev. Flavia Skilbred of Plattsburg and Director West Central Spence Kennedy of Rochester. Members received 10 hours of training in “Suicide Prevention” by Rev. Leon VanWie and “Critical Incident Stress Management” by Rev. Dr. John Fleischman. A memorial service took place recognizing those that passed during 2025, followed by the installation banquet. - Fire News photos by Myles Quinn

Recruit New York Time for Latham and Maplewood

During April, New York State Fire Departments held “Recruit New York.” With the fire departments in desperate need of volunteers, departments use every opportunity to bring awareness to their communities of the advantages of joining and helping their neighbors. - Submitted by Lori Washburn; Photos by Truck

Partial Collapse in Brooklyn Old Law Tenement

FDNY companies operated at a four-alarm blaze in East Williamsburg, Brooklyn, on the evening of May 3, 2026. The fire was in a three-story “old law” tenement (New York City apartment buildings constructed between 1879 and 1901), which suffered a partial collapse of a rear wall. One firefighter suffered minor injuries and the blaze was brought under control around 0200 hours. - Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com

High School Recruitment Day at Colonie HS

For the fourth year, Colonie High School held its annual recruitment event, cheerfully called by the students “Fire Truck Day.” Midway Fire Department past-Chief Eric Obermeyer, a teacher at the school, came up with the idea of bringing the fire departments to the students instead of waiting for students to come to the departments. Hundreds of students were given the opportunity to replace their PE class with the opportunity to go outside and speak with firefighters from Midway, Shaker Road-Loudonville, West Albany, Stanford Heights and Fuller Road. Students tried on gear, ran obstacle courses and spoke with firefighters with hopes of of signing them up to become Junior or Explorer members. It was a success with many of the departments having many students sign up. - Fire News story by Lori

Washburn;

Photos By Truck