Latham, Verdoy and Boght departments were dispatched to Latham for a structure fire.
See story on page 7
2 Murder Victims Found at Bellerose Fire
FDNY companies in Bellerose, Queens, operated at a private dwelling fire.
See story on page 8
Buffalo Home Stopped from Extending
Buffalo Fire Department’s 7th Platoon was called to a garage fire.
See story on page 10
Brooklyn Basement All-Hands
FDNY Engine Company 309 and Ladder Company 159 transmitted a 10-75 for a fire.
See story on page 18
Brooklyn Apartment Fire Goes to 5 Alarms
FDNY Engine Company 279 and Ladder Company 101 arrived first due to find smoke in an apartment.
See story on page 20
Clutter Hampers Fire Ops
FDNY units in Cambria Heights, Queens, battled a raging fire in a private dwelling.
See story on page 30
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Cover Story
Brighton 2-Alarm Commercial Fire
Around 2100 hours on September 9, 2025, Brighton firefighters were dispatched to Monroe Avenue for the report of a fire. On arrival, companies found smoke showing from numerous areas of a single-story brick commercial structure and declared a working fire. Firefighters made entry and worked to find the fire and quickly knock it down but the heavy fire load had extended into the cockloft and was running the building. Crews would continue to try to get a stop on the flames but were forced to an exterior operation as the flames and high heat started to compromise the structural integrity of the building. A second alarm was called bringing numerous departments to the scene to assist as multiple ladder pipes and large lines worked to knock down the fire and keep it to the building of origin. The fire was knocked down just before midnight. - Fire News photos by PuckStopperPhotography.com
Fence Fire on Osborne RoadWhitestone Basement Fire Stopped
On August 3, 2025, West Albany, Fuller Road, Menands and Colonie Village were called to a structure fire on Osborne Road. Upon arrival, the structure fire was a fence just inches from a garage. Thankfully, due to the quick response of the departments the garage only acquired minor damage to the siding, leaving the main structure unharmed.
- Submitted by Lori Washburn; Photos by Truck
FDNY companies in the Whitestone section of Queens made a quick knockdown on a basement fire in a private dwelling on 21st Avenue near 149th Street on September 5, 2025. No injuries were reported. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
Multi-Use Latham Structure Fire
On September 20, 2025, Latham, Verdoy and Boght fire departments were dispatched to The Mighty Crab restaurant in Latham for a structure fire and encountered smoke and a mulch fire. The departments searched the building trying to find the origin of the smoke condition. The entrance was the culprit and the firefighters breached the walls and searched the roof and alcove. The owner
made it hard for the chief to get answers to where and who did anything with the mulch. In the end, fire investigator Matt Graves determined that the mulch fire smoke traveled up the entry way and settled in the ceiling filling the restaurant with smoke.
- Submitted by Lori Washburn; Photos by Truck
2 Murder Victims Found at Bellerose Fire
FDNY companies in Bellerose, Queens, operated a private dwelling fire on 254th Street on September 8, 2025. While battling the fire, firefighters located two deceased residents of the home. Subsequent investigations by the NYPD found that the residents had been mur-
dered. A city-wide search for a suspect was launched and the person was located and arrested in Times Square the following day. - Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
Hillcrest VFD Awarded FEMA Grants
The Hillcrest Volunteer Fire Department and Halfmoon Fire District 1 (Mechanicville) is proud to announce that they have been awarded the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grant (SAFER), both, a highly competitive federal programs that strengthens fire departments nationwide.
What makes this award especially meaningful is that our department is 100-percent volunteer. Unlike larger career fire departments, volunteer departments often face uphill battles when competing for federal funding. This award reflects national recognition of our volunteers’ dedication, our community’s rapid growth, and the vital role we play in protecting residents and critical infrastructure.
The AFG funding will allow us to purchase new personal protective equipment (PPE) for firefighters, ensuring enhanced safety for both the public and department members by reducing carcinogen exposure, preventing injuries, and improving operational readiness.
Unlike other federal programs, the SAFER grant carries no local cost share, allowing Hillcrest to fully invest the award in recruitment, retention, training, and program development with a professional marketing company to ensure outreach efforts reach a broad audience.
The Halfmoon Fire District is facing a significant increase in service demand due to rapid development and population growth within its jurisdiction and surrounding mutual aid areas. Our volunteers protect more than 6000 residents within our 15-square-mile first-due response area and over 50,000 residents across Halfmoon and surrounding towns through first-due coverage and mutual aid. We also safeguard vital assets such the Norfolk Southern Rail Yard, County Sewer Facility, and other regional utilities and assets — making this investment essential not just for Halfmoon, but for the broader Capital Region.
We invite you to share this story with your readers and viewers. It highlights the extraordinary commitment of local volunteers and the importance of federal investment in rural and suburban communities like ours. Thank you for helping us celebrate this achievement for both our department and the community we proudly serve.
- Robert Cournoyer, Chief - Hillcrest VFD
Buffalo Fire Stopped Before Extending
On September 15, 2025, Buffalo Fire Department’s 7th Platoon was called to a garage fire on Erb Street, while they were wrapping up they received a second call for Fisher Street, which was one block over, for a working structure fire. The fire was in a 2-½ story structure and half of the roof was engulfed in fire. Since the fire was
burning out of control the chief ordered all firefighters out of the structure and went to a defensive attack. Truck 7 was positioned in the front of the structure and doused the fire while there was a line on the 2 and 4 sides keeping those houses wet so the fire didn’t spread. - Fire News photos by Jim Lepard Digital Imaging
Lighting the Beacons:
A Technical and Historical Overview of New York’s Fire Towers
The New York State Forest Fire Lookout Association's annual “Lighting of the Fire Towers” is an event rooted in both technical history and preservation. For the past 12 years, this night vigil has created a network of light across New York’s landscape, a tribute to the state’s legacy of wildfire prevention. The event involves illuminating fire tower cabs, symbolizing the critical function these structures once served.
The Beebe Hill Fire Tower: A Case Study in Relocation and Decommissioning
This year’s event featured the Beebe Hill Fire Tower in Columbia County. This 1928 Aermotor LS40 tower exemplifies the strategic, yet evolving, nature of fire detection infrastructure. Its history is a record of relocations based on operational needs: 1928: Constructed on Alander Mountain.; 1933: Relocated to Washburn Mountain; 1964: Moved to its current site on Beebe Hill. The tower’s operational life concluded in 1988, with its official decommissioning by the Department of Environmental Conservation in 1989. This decision was driven by advancements in technology, rendering ground-based observation less effective compared to aerial surveillance and modern communication systems. Despite its closure, the tower has been preserved through community and volunteer efforts. Since 1997, volunteers and park rangers have worked to restore the tower and its surrounding infrastructure, including the observer's cabin and access trails, ensuring its continued use as a recreational and educational resource.
The Role and Records of Fire Tower Observers
The human element of the fire tower system is documented through the records of its observers. During the lighting event, the names of past Beebe Hill observers were read aloud, providing a glimpse into the operational history of the post: Fred G. Bashara (November 1964November 1970): Served during the tower’s active period, receiving a documented bi-weekly salary of $213.14; Imra E. Maxon (1973): Served after a two-year operational closure. Salary data is not available for this period; Joanne Kennedy (1976 - 1987): Worked the tower for over a decade following another three-year closure. Her salary is also not specified in the records.
The Preservation of Historical Infrastructure
The Lighting of the Fire Towers is a demonstration of communityled historic preservation. This initiative, spearheaded by the New York State Chapter of the Forest Fire Lookout Association, aims to maintain these towers not just as relics, but as functional educational and recre-
ational monuments. Their ongoing efforts ensure that the history of fire detection and prevention remains a tangible part of New York’s landscape. - Fire News photo and story Submitted by Ed Harvey
Prescribed Burns: Lighting Good Fire
By Kathy Slade , Museum Educator at the FASNY Museum of Firefighting
You may have noticed an increase in the use of prescribed burns as a fire management tool throughout New York State this spring, summer, and fall. Prescribed burns are intentionally ignited fires in a specific area, under specific weather conditions, to achieve particular land management goals. These fires are planned, executed, and mopped up by highly trained wildland fire crews.
Since the early 1900s, the creed of “full suppression” has been used throughout the US when it comes to wildfire. Full suppression meant: See a fire, put it out immediately. After the Big Burn of 1910 that burned over three-million acres in Idaho and Montana, wildfire was vilified and seen as a great enemy that must be stopped. During this time, the US Forest Service created the “10:00 am rule.” The goal of the 10:00 a.m. rule was to extinguish every wildfire by 10:00 a.m. the morning after the fire was reported. Over 100 years later, we are seeing the detrimental effects of this policy. Fuels have had decades to build up, leading to explosive and volatile wildfires. Fire is a natural process that many trees, plants and animals rely on for survival. Extensive research by scientists has found that fire is not only good for our forests and ecosystems but is critical to maintaining their health. The introduction of prescribed burns across the country has begun to rejuvenate forests, reduce fuel buildups, and decrease the severity of wildfires in certain areas.
Many states have fire management plans that include the use of prescribed burns, and many of these regions have begun to catch up with the fire deficit created by the era of full suppression. Aggressive prescribed burning in some Southern states has shown the positive effects of the practice. Wildfires in these areas burn with less intensity and are easier to contain. Whereas areas like California and other western states have struggled to rebound from the fire deficit. They are experiencing year-round fire seasons with very narrow windows in which to implement prescribed burns. Because they are unable to reduce the fuel loads, fires are becoming more volatile and explosive.
Thankfully, here in New York, prescribed burns are an established part of the fire management strategy. There are several areas in New York State regularly treated with prescribed fire. One of these areas is the Albany Pine Bush Preserve (APBP), where I volunteer as part of the
burn crew. The APBP burn crew is run by Tyler Briggs, whose exceptional knowledge and leadership as burn boss are unmatched. The APBP implements prescribed burns as part of its Management Plan to restore and conserve its globally rare and unique inland Pine Barrens ecosystem. The APBP’s burn team aims to burn 10 percent of the preserve each year to sustain a healthy ecosystem and maintain the integrity of the preserve. This can be a tall order, as there are typically only 20 days a year that meet the weather specifications for a prescribed burn.
At this time, prescribed burns are prohibited in the Adirondack and Catskill Parks. These parks are protected from fires under antiquated laws that date back to the era of full suppression, so they do not allow good fire to be used as part of their forest management plans.
As wildfire activity increases in New York State and across the country, it is critical that more people train to become certified wildland firefighters. Wildland firefighter training is offered online through the National Wildfire Coordinating Group and other Federal agencies. Once you complete the online coursework, you must complete a field day training and a pack test. The field day training is usually done in the spring and coordinated by the NYS DEC Forest Rangers. Governor Kathy Hochul announced in May that New York State has included reimbursement for wildfire training in the Volunteer Firefighter Training Stipend program as an incentive to bolster the number of certified wildland firefighters in New York.
To learn more about prescribed burns at the Albany Pine Bush Preserve, visit their website at https://albanypinebush.org/our-workecosystem-management-fire. For a great read about prescribed fire, I recommend Ignition: Lighting Fires in a Burning World by M. R. O’Connor.
1 Resident Critical in Brooklyn All Hands
FDNY Engine Company 242 and Ladder Company 109 transmitted a 10-75 for a fire on the second floor of a mixed use building on 91st Street in Brooklyn on September 27, 2025. Members of Ladder Company 109’s inside team rescued an unconscious civilian, who
were given life-saving medical attention but were being listed as in critical condition. Units used three hoselines to knock down the main body of fire. - Fire News photos by Lloyd Mitchell
Explosion and Collapse in the Bronx
Firefighters responded for an explosion and collapse of boiler ventilation shaft at a Bronx housing project on Alexander Avenue on October 1, 2025. It left a major debris field at the base of the collapse, but luckily no injuries were reported.
- Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com and Lloyd Mitchell
Niskayuna’s Captain Chris Nobes Selected as Schenectady’s FF of the Year
On September 13, 2025, Niskayuna 2 Fire Department was honored to announce past Chief and current Captain, Chris Nobes, was selected as the Schenectady County Fire Officer of the Year. Nobes will be awarded by the Schenectady County Legislator on October 14, 2025, in recognition of his leadership in the fire service and his on-going efforts to promote firefighter mental health in partnership with the Rotterdam- based non-profit Operation At Ease. - Submitted by Lori Washburn; Photos by Truck
Brooklyn Basement All-Hands
FDNY Engine Company 309 and Ladder Company 159 transmitted a 10-75 for fire in the basement of a private dwelling on East 70th Street on September 17, 2025. Members used one hoseline to knock down the main body of fire. Searches throughout were negative. - Fire News photo by Lloyd Mitchell
Brooklyn Apartment Fire Goes to 5 Alarms
FDNY Engine Company 279 and Ladder Company 101 arrived first due to find smoke in an apartment on Van Brunt Street on September 18, 2025. The 31 Battalion transmitted a second alarm as units searched for the seat of the fire. Units encountered heavy smoke and high heat on the second floor with heavy smoke and fire
on the third floor. Units used Marine Company 9 and several tower ladders to knock down the main body of fire. The fire wasn’t placed under control until late in the day on the following day. The fire ultimately went to a fifth alarm.
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Fire News photos by Lloyd Mitchell
18th Annual Albany Apparatus Muster
On September 20, 2025, Albany County firefighters held their 18th Annual Fire Apparatus Muster. Slingerlands, Delmar, Latham, Guilderland Center, New Salem, North Bethlehem, Selkirk and Guilderland fire departments brought pieces of apparatus to be judged. Congratulations to Slingerlands on winning the Walter W. Eck Sr. Memorial Traveling Trophy for Best Overall at this year’s ACVFA Muster/Inspection Day. Other winners were: Best
Appearing Pumper - Guilderland Center; Best Appearing RescueNorth Bethlehem; Best Appearing Tanker - Slingerlands; Best Appearing Antique – Slingerlands; Best Appearing Utility - New Salem; Best Appearing Ladies Color Guard - New Salem; Best Appearing Men’s Color Guard – Slingerlands.
- Submitted by Lori Washburn; Photos by Truck
Training
Extrication Drill for Winona Lake
The Winona Lake Engine Company held its extrication drill recently. - Fire News photos by Vinnie Dominick
110th Monroe FD/OCFVA Parade
- Fire News photos by Vinnie Dominick
Softball Fundraiser in Schenectady
On September 13, 2025, Schenectady’s Central Park roared to life as Schenectady Fire Department took to the field to play Schenectady Police in a charity softball game under the lights. Titled “Schenectady’s Bravest” versus “Schenectady’s Finest,” the stands were filled as the two teams battled it out for the trophy. The children of Investigator Higgins, whom the game was created for, threw out the first pitches. During the fifth inning children from the
stands were invited onto the field to throw out pitches to win prizes. The teams fought hard all night. During the ninth inning the Higgins children were brought up to bat each hitting a home run! The night was filled with fun, laughter and camaraderie. In the end Schenectady Fire Department came out on top but everyone came out winners as the Higgins family received a generous donation. - Submitted by Lori Washburn; Photos by Truck
NewtoTHEM
Brockport 9/11 Firefighters Memorial Monument
Brockport firefighters, EMS Personnel, law enforcement, emergency communications and the US military were all present at one time or another during our day-long vigil at the 9/11 Memorial on Main Street in Brockport.
Event planners were on site shortly after 0530 hours preparing the site for the vigil to
follow. The district flag was replaced with the black and red memorial flag and lowered to half-staff. Candles were placed on the monument. The bell was placed at the entry to the engraved walkway and the sound system was set up for the ceremonies to follow.
At 0830 hours the Gates Police Keystone Pipes and Drums started the ceremony with “America The Beautiful” on the pipes. Past Chief Christian McCullough was the master of ceremonies for the opening ceremony. He shared with the crowd his personal connections to NYC and the FDNY. Chief McCullough had attended training with the FDNY and from his dorm room could see the massive Twin Towers every morning. He was in class with some of those lost on 9/11. And, he had stood on the observation deck of Tower 1 with friends only
two weeks before the attacks. Yes, it was personal for him.
Fire Department Chaplain Alan Way offered the Firemen’s Prayer during the opening ceremony as we often do when remembering a lost firefighter.
Oran Spitzer, reporter for WROC Channel 8
arrived with a cameraman and stayed through the opening ceremony.
Members from SUNY Brockport’s ROTC Battalion were once again with us. They removed the worn American flag from the 30foot pole, folded it, triangular style and switched it out for a new one. This was raised to full staff and lowered back to half staff in accordance with Presidential Orders surrounding Patriot Day.
The Memorial Bell was rung 5-5-5-5, an FDNY signal to relay a firefighter LODD. Immediately following the first responders with their military counterparts and members of the community then took their place on the monument providing a day-long Honor Guard to pay our respects to those lost that fateful day, and those we continue to lose as a result of illnesses from working the pile at Ground Zero during the recovery efforts.
At 1800 hours, the Honor Guard was replaced by the “Ring of Gold” where command personnel from various agencies gather together for a moment of silence prior to the closing ceremony.
At 1830, the first responders from the tricounty region and beyond were led in formation into the ceremony by a piper from Gates
Police Keystone Pipes and Drums. The keynote speaker for the evening ceremony was Father Joseph Marcoux from Nativity BVM Church. Major Marcoux as he is known when serving with the NY Army National Guard shared his thoughts and prayers with the community.
Senator Rob Ortt spoke about his experiences and encouraged all to pass on what we know with the youth of today. Fire Chief Tim Smith spoke about remembering the feeling of unity that followed the attacks and the values we all possessed at the time. He wishes to instill them into his own children as it is vital for future generations to be there for each other in times of need. Father Joe offered a closing prayer and Bugler Luke Dowdell closed the ceremony with the traditional playing of “Taps.” The piper led the emergency responders away after the ceremony ended.
- Story and Fire Service photos by Christopher Martin, District PIO
9/11 Ceremony Amsterdam Riverlink of Montgomery County
- Fire News photos by Mark Perfetti
HI-TECH FIRE & SAFETY WELCOMES CRAIG PAUPST AS NY REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR FOR THE GREATER NEW YORK STATE AREA
Farmingdale, NY – [October 8, 2025] – Hi-Tech Fire & Safety is proud to announce the addition of Craig Paupst to its sales team as NY Regional Sales Director. Craig brings over two decades of firefighting experience and extensive product knowledge to his new role, further strengthening Hi-Tech’s commitment to providing exceptional service and expertise to fire departments and safety professionals across the region.
During his time in the field, Craig developed a deep understanding of the challenges faced by first responders and the importance of dependable, high-quality protective gear. He has completed numerous factory visits and training programs with industry-leading manufacturers such as Morning Pride Turnout Gear, Genesis Extrication Tools, Mercedes Hose, and Toxic Suppression , gaining hands-on insight into the latest advancements in firefighter turnout gear and safety technology.
“We’re thrilled to have Craig back on the Hi-Tech team,” said Karen Emory, President of Hi-Tech Fire & Safety. “His real-world firefighting experience, combined with his technical product expertise, makes him an invaluable resource for our customers. Craig understands what firefighters need—because he’s been there.”
Craig will focus on expanding Hi-Tech Fire & Safety’s relationships with fire departments and emergency service organizations throughout New York State, partnering with Hi-Tech’s Tim Reardon and Adam Gordon in the Hudson Valley area to offer personalized support, product demonstrations, and training.
For more information, please contact:
Hi-Tech Fire & Safety
https://www.hitechfireny.com/ 631-777-5170
Clutter Hampers Fire Ops
Rescue Company 2 held a mass ceremony for the 24th anniversary of 9/11 terrorist attacks at their firehouse on Sterling Place.
- Fire News photos by Lloyd Mitchell
FDNY units in Cambria Heights, Queens, battled a raging fire in a private dwelling on 223rd Street on September 4, 2025. Members were met with heavy fire on the first floor of the two-story home. Heavy clutter hampered fire operations. - Fire News photos by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
