Schenectady firefighters responded to a call for a fully involved truck fire.
See story on page 4
Rochester House Fire on Manitou Street
Companies found heavy fire from the dwelling with the report of people trapped.
See story on page 8
Car Fire Stopped on Blossom Road
Companies found a car fire extending to the structure and requested a full assignment.
See story on page 20
3 Rescued from Rochester 2-Alarmer
Companies arrived to heavy smoke and fire showing with people stuck on the roof.
See story on page 26
Drowning Victim
Recovered at Java Lake
Following an almost 24-hour search, divers were able to locate the missing individual.
See story on page 32
Rochester Commercial 2-Alarmer
Companies arrived to heavy smoke and fire showing from a single-story commercial building.
See story on page 39
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Schenectady Truck Fire
Schenectady firefighters responded to a call for a truck fire on Randolph Road at 0412 on May 26, 2026. Upon arrival, they found the cab of a flatbed truck fully involved. Flames were extinguished quickly and the driver reportedly fled the scene. The cause was under investigation. – Fire News photos by
Peter R. Barber
A two-alarm fire in a row of Whitestone, Queens taxpayers on 154th Street kept companies busy on June 2, 2026. The fire may have originated in a laundromat but quickly extended to an exposure requiring multiple alarms. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
Rochester House Fire on Manitou Street
In the early morning hours of May 6, 2026, Rochester firefighters were dispatched to Manitou Street for the report of a fire. On arrival, companies found heavy fire from the first and second floor of a dwelling with the report of people trapped. Firefighters moved quickly conducting a search while making an aggressive interior attack on the fire. Command received word that all occupants were
out of the home as crews battled the flames. Ultimately the welladvanced fire forced companies to transition to a defensive operation. Multiple handlines and master streams were put into service to protect exposures and knock down the fire. The fire was declared under control a short time later with crews making entry again for overhaul. - Fire News photo by PuckStopperPhotography.com
High Voltage Fire at Pallet Fire on Emerson St
On June 3, 2026, Rochester firefighters from Engine 3 responded to Emerson Street for a report of wires down. Engine 3 arrived to find high voltage wires which had fallen on a pile of pallets in the rear of a commercial building sparking a large pallet fire. Companies had RGE shut off power to the line as crews worked to knock down the
fire. At one point the high voltage lines arched causing a large flash. The incident was brought under control around 20 minutes after initial dispatch.
- Fire News photo by PuckStopperPhotography.com
30 Displaced by Brockport Apartment Complex Blaze
On June 21, 2026 at 0448 hours, Brockport firefighters responded for a structure fire in an apartment complex on Lake Road just north of Ridge Road West. A heavy fire load was obvious as the first arriving apparatus pulled in the driveway. What eventually became a four-alarm fire brought 16 fire companies from Monroe, Orleans and Genesee counties to assist. They included Brockport, HamlinMorton-Walker, Hilton, Spencerport, Bergen, Churchville, Murray, Gates, Ridge Road, North Greece, Albion, Kendall, Chili, Henrietta, Mumford and Scottsville. Monroe Ambulance provided EMS with several ambulances. The Brockport Police and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office provided drone support to examine
the heavily damaged areas while searching for hot spots. Four residents were treated at the scene and released by EMS crews; one had to be carried out by firefighters. The fire involved 21 housing units with approximately 30 residents displaced. The American Red Cross was assisting with temporary housing, and the Brockport Fire District opened the doors of their Station 2 across the street to provide immediate shelter for residents while the Red Cross worked out the details. The cause and origin of the fire was under investigation by the Monroe County Fire Bureau's Fire Investigation Unit. - Fire News photos courtesy of Christopher R. Martin, Brockport/FEMA PIO
ATTENTION CHIEFS
CHAPLAIN In GOOD times and BAD
St. Albans All-Hands
FDNY companies in St. Albans, Queens, battled an all-hands fire in a row of taxpayers on Murdock Avenue on June 21, 2026. The fire quickly spread to the cockloft of the single-story, wood framed structure requiring additional units to the scene. One person self-evacuated from the building. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
Seaplane Crash in the East River
The FDNY reported that a seaplane crashed into the East River on June 13, 2026. The FDNY responded just before 0930 hours after getting reports of a small plane down in the water near the Throgs Neck Bridge in Whitestone, Queens. Two passengers were taken onto an FDNY boat and no injuries were reported.
- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
Rescue at 2-Alarm Fire in Limestone
The Limestone Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to a reported structure fire with entrapment in the 800 block of North Main Street at 1040 hours on June 11, 2026. First arriving firefighters found heavy smoke pouring from a single-story house and requested a second alarm. A victim was located in the basement and rescued by emergency personnel. Responding on the second-alarm
were Allegany, Knapp Creek, Hinsdale, City of Olean, Kill Buck, Seneca Fire Allegany Territory, Trans Am Ambulance from New York State and the Derrick City (PA) Volunteer Fire Department. Crews used two 1-3/4 inch attack lines to extinguish the basement fire.
- Photo and information by Jay K. Bradish
Firefighters Escape Injuries in Schenectady Collapse
Schenectady firefighters battled a two-alarm fire on Albany Street after fire was reported at 1655 on June 2, 2026. Upon arrival, they found a two-story wood frame structure with flames venting from the second-floor porch and attic. Crews began an interior attack
when, without warning, the second-floor porch collapsed sending firefighters running for cover. The fire was brought under control in just over an hour. No injuries were reported and the cause was under investigation. - Fire
News photos by Peter R. Barber
Firefighters Escape Injuries in Schenectady Collapse (Continued)
Cronomer Valley Blaze Goes to 2nd Alarm
On June 22, 2026, the Cronomer Valley Fire Department was alerted to a possible house fire on Peter Avenue off of Fostertown Road and Hinchcliffe Drive. Car 1, en route, called for a second alarm. Due to the lack of hydrants in the area, firefighters established a water supply area at the corner of Peter Avenue and Hinchcliffe Drive, where mutual aid tankers shuttled water to the scene to assist with suppression. Due to the severity of the fire, a roof collapsed soon after units arrived. All occupants and pets were confirmed out of the structure, and operations were exterior until the main body of the fire was knocked down to allow for overhaul. We would like
to thank our mutual aid departments who assisted with fire suppression and water operations, and our police departments and EMS services. These included Plattekill Fire Department, Goodwill FD, Dan Leghorn Engine Company, Middlehope Fire District, Stewart ANGB FD, Coldenham Fire-Rescue, Wallkill Hook, Ladder and Hose Co., Walden FD, Winona Lake Fire Engine Company 2, Modena Fire & Rescue, Marlboro Firefighters, Cornwall FD, New Windsor FD, Town of Newburgh PD, Town of Newburgh EMS- and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
- Fire News photo by Robert McCormick
Car Fire Stopped on Blossom Road
In the early morning hours of May 31, 2026, Rochester firefighters responded to the report of a car on fire at Artisan Works. First arriving companies found a car fire extending to the structure and requested a full assignment. Crews were able to quickly knockdown
the fire and worked extensively to make sure the fire hadn’t extended further into the structure.
- Fire News photo by PuckStopperPhotography.com
New Live-Fire Training Facility in Glenville
After years of negotiations, the Town of Glenville in Schenectady County officially opened and dedicated their new live fire training facility on Vley Road Extension. The facility will enable volunteers throughout the county to train for car fires, propane tank and grill
fires as well as dumpster fires. It is the first facility of its kind in the county and a much-needed asset to all area fire departments.
- Fire News photo by Peter R. Barber
New Live Fire Training Facility in Glenville (continued)
Far Rockaway 2-Alarmer
A two-alarm blaze on Ocean Crest Boulevard in Far Rockaway, Queens, did extensive damage to several private dwellings on the evening of June 5, 2026. Heavy smoke could be seen from a distance as FDNY companies responded to the area. The main body of fire was in the rear of the original dwelling with extension to neighboring homes. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
In the early morning hours of May 16, 2026, Rochester firefighters worked a second-alarm house fire on Smith Street. Companies arrived to heavy smoke and fire showing with people stuck on the roof. Engine companies quickly stretched lines and worked on an aggressive interior attack while truck companies threw ladders to rescue three trapped victims, one of whom was a toddler. Crews quickly knocked down the flames and conducted overhaul chasing down hotspots.
- Fire News photo by PuckStopperPhotography.com
Clutter Hampers Basement Fire
FDNY companies in the Laurelton section of Queens battled a basement fire in a private dwelling
121st
Lucas Street on April 7, 2026. A slight clutter condition hampered overhaling operations.
Greenbush Memorial Day Parade
Memorial Day in North Greenbush was once again filled with fire engines and the sounds of bands as hundreds of residents lined the roads to watch the Memorial Day parade. It was a beautiful day to
Ballston
watch the community come together. The parade traveled to the town hall for a brief ceremony. - Submitted by
Spa Memorial Day
The Town of Ballston Spa once again came alive with the sounds of bands and the roars of fire engines as they celebrated Memorial Day. The town is very military oriented with the Kesselring training facility in town. The navy students at the training facility lined
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Sand Lake Memorial Day
Memorial Day morning was filled with firefighters, veterans and fire apparatus as the town of Sand Lake held its annual
for a ceremony honoring those who lost their lives defending our
Lori Washburn; Photos by Truck
Main Street with a sea of white. The commander was the marshal of the parade and spoke after the parade at the Veterans Memorial. The local Boys Scouts read the names of the town’s members who lost their lives.
Submitted by Lori Washburn; Photos by Truck
Memorial Day Parade which culminates at the Sand Lake Veterans Memorial
country. - Submitted by Lori Washburn; Photos by Truck
Maplewood 80th Memorial Day Parade
The Maplewood Fire Department held its 80th Memorial Day Parade. Half of the Town of Colonie fire departments as well as neighboring departments of Cohoes in Albany County, Green Island and Watervliet Arsenal joined in the parade. The parade traveled throughout the community ending at the middle school where veterans, Peter Crummey, Town of Colonie Supervisor and local and state dignitaries spoke. Names of all the veterans from Maplewood who passed were read. The evening concluded with Maplewood Fire Department holding an open picnic for the community. - Submitted by Lori Washburn; Photos by Truck
HVVFA Annual Dress Parade
On June 13, 2026, Lake George Village was filled with firefighters, apparatus and the sounds of bands during the Hudson Valley Volunteer Firefighters Association (HVVFA) annual dress parade. Fire departments from Lake George to Ossining participated in their best attire for prizes and awards. The streets were lined with
people who traveled to watch the hundreds of departments and hundreds of firefighters participate. It was a beautiful day that ended with an awards ceremony.
- Submitted by Lori Washburn; Photos by Truck
Drowning Victim Recovered at Java Lake
On June 19, 2026, the North Java Fire Company and Wyoming County Sheriffs were dispatched for a capsized boat on Java Lake. Following an almost 24-hour search, divers were able to locate the missing individual. Assisting agencies included: Wyoming County Office of Emergency Services (OES), Arcade Fire Department, New York State Police Aviation Unit, Mercy Flight, NYS Forest Rangers,
City of Batavia Fire Department, Alden Fire Department Dive Team, Livingston County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team, Niagara Frontier Search and Rescue and Amigo Search and Rescue Dogs. Condolences go out to the family members of the deceased victim.
- Fire News photo by Brian Meyers, Dir. of Fire and Emergency Management, Wyoming County OES
NewtoTHEM
Explosion, HazMat Call at Congers Fire
Just before 0800 hours on June 24, 2026, the Congers Fire Department was alerted to a possible structure fire on Wells Avenue, in a building in a small commercial area that manufactured vitamins and supplements. Upon arrival, a light smoke condition was found inside and crews began investigating. After several minutes, they felt that, along with a small fire, they also were dealing with some type of chemical reaction occurring inside a refrigeration unit. The incident commander requested the Rockland County HazMat team to determine the contents reacting, while also trying to control a growing fire in the same area. As operations continued,
a small explosion occurred. Firefighters were pulled out of the area and a PAR was conducted. Due to the explosion and the collapse of interior walls and second floor office area, master streams were set up in several locations to keep the fire in check. Firefighters remained on the scene for much of the day, with operations lasting well into the evening. Firefighters from almost every department in Rockland responded, as well as the Westchester County HazMat team, and a fan boat from the Mahwah (NJ) Fire Department. - Fire News photos and copy by Kenny Flynn
Water Flow Drill in Albany County
On June 27, 2026, New Salem/Voorheesville held a large-scale water flow drill at the Cornell Cooperative in Albany County. Fifteen departments, 12 tankers and dozens of firefighters helped to flow over 200,000 gallons of water from local streams and ponds, in two hours. The flowing of water was done with Delmar and Guilderland Center’s ladder trucks as well as blitz nozzles. Altamont, Berne, Slingerlands, New Salem, Medusa, Delmar, Guilderland Center,
North Bethlehem, Coeymans, Onesquethaw, Selkirk, Rensselaerville and Westerlo were some of the departments that participated in the drill. It was a great training opportunity to make sure the six ponds were consistently filled even with conditions like trains blocking roads and ponds running out of water, alternatives were quickly addressed.
- Fire News story by Lori Washburn; photos by Truck
MVA on Route 300 in Newburgh
Winona Lake Engine Company and Orange Lake Fire Department were called out for an MVA on Route 300 in front of the Denny’s restaurant. The Town of Newburgh Police Department, and the NY State Police Department also responded.
Fire
-
News photo by Vincent Dominick
Basement Fire in South Jamaica
units in South Jamaica, Queens, battled a basement fire in a private dwelling on Shore Avenue on June 14, 2026.One civilian was removed during fire operations with non-life-threatening injuries. - Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos.com
FDNY
Mock MVA at St. Regis Falls Central School
On May 21,2026, the St. Regis Falls Fire and Ambulance held a mock car cash at our school. Other agencies involved were as follows: Dickinson VFD, New York State Police, Franklin County Coroner's Office, Franklin County Emergency Services Office, Hamills Funeral Home and Smith’s Towing, whose Scott Smith emceed the event. The scenario portrayed was a bus versus two car MVA with two fatalities, including the Superintendent of Schools and the bus driver. - Fire News photo provided
LIBERTY ARTWORK JUST UNVEILED IT’S NEWEST MONUMENT “TOOLS OF TRADITION” AT THE MARYLAND STATE FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE IN OCEAN CITY, MD.
We finished it the night before we left St. Lous for the conference as it made its way across the country to the east coast. While traveling down the highway we noticed other cars slowing down to take photos of the statue and when we stopped for fuel or food we met brother firefighters who came up to inquire about the monument.
The following is the description of the monument and I have attached a picture of my father, Robert Daus Sr. Retired St. Louis Firefighter and founder of Liberty Art Works who was at the Convention to unveil it.
This exceptional bronze monument was sculpted to integrate iconic firefighting tools such as an Officer Trumpet, Wooden Ladder, Pike Pole, Straight Bore Nozzle, Fire Ax, and Leather Fire Helmet into a prominent freestanding display of tradition. The tools emerge from a rolled fire hose base which completes the inspiration of the sculpture. The ax will proudly display the department logo on both sides in a 3D form. Finished in a classic brown patina, sealed to withstand the elements, and outfitted with internal stainless-steel pins for mounting. Made in the USA visit www.libertyartworks.com for more information.
Total Height 50” width (ax) 36”
Hose Base: 21” deep x 25” wide from coupling to edge of hose.
Weight: 250lbs approx.
Centurion Court 2-Alarmer
The Cronomer Valley Fire Department responded to structure fire on Centurion Court at 1650 hours on June 21, 2026. Command requested a second alarm for a house showing fire and smoke on arrival. Three residents were checked by Town of Newburgh EMS and were RMA. Tankers were brought to scene and a porta tank was set up and water pumped down the dead end street. Central Hudson was called for a power cut. Town/Newburgh EMSTown/Newburgh Police were also on the scene. The fire was under investigation. - Fire News photo by Robert McCormick
NATIONWIDE INSTRUCTION FOR CARDIOVASCULAR EDUCATION (NICE) NOW REBRANDED AS VARSITY HEALTH & TRAINING SOLUTIONS (VHTS)
More than 25 years ago, Dr. Chris Byron and his wife, Marilyn Byron, founded Nationwide Instruction for Cardiovascular Education (NICE) after a life-changing experience. While attending a party, a friend suddenly went into cardiac arrest, and Chris and Marilyn were the only two people present who knew how to perform CPR.
What began as a small company providing CPR/AED training steadily evolved into a full-service AED management organization serving clients across Long Island, New York State, and the Tri-State area.
In April 2024, Chris and Marilyn were introduced to Tyler Robinson, and in November 2024, they officially sold NICE to him. Tyler brings more than 15 years of experience in EMS with Sayville Community Ambulance and was named Fire News’ 2023 Trainer/Educator of the Year for his commitment to teaching CPR within his community.
Since taking over NICE, Tyler has rebranded the organization as Varsity Health & Training Solutions (VHTS). Under his leadership, VHTS has expanded its focus beyond traditional CPR training to become a comprehensive provider of emergency preparedness solutions, operating out of a new training center, expanding certification course offerings, and delivering lifesaving equipment and education to even broader audiences.
Today, Varsity Health & Training Solutions partners with fire departments, schools, municipalities, camps, businesses, and first responders to help organizations stay prepared when seconds matter most. VHTS provides lifesaving emergency medical equipment, compliance support, and hands-on training programs designed to strengthen emergency response capabilities and improve outcomes in critical situations.
Specializing in Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), VHTS takes a full-service approach to emergency preparedness. From AED inspections and replacement equipment to compliance support and Medical Direction services, the team helps ensure departments remain equipped, compliant, and mission-ready.
VHTS proudly recommends Defibtech brand AEDs and accessories, which are manufactured in the USA and have never been subject to a recall. Most Defibtech equipment orders ship the same day—or by the next business day at the latest. However, the VHTS team remains fully prepared to support and service all brands, makes, and models of AEDs and emergency response equipment.
Beyond equipment, VHTS offers hands-on certification training tailored for emergency responders and community preparedness. Courses include CPR/AED, First Aid, Stop the Bleed, EpiPen Administration, and Bloodborne/Airborne Pathogens training. With realistic training tools and experienced instruction, participants gain the confidence and skills needed to respond effectively in critical situations.
At its core, VHTS shares the same mission as the firefighting community: protecting lives through preparation, collaboration, education, and rapid emergency response. Whether you are looking to strengthen your department’s emergency preparedness, equip your organization with lifesaving technology, or gain the confidence to act when every second counts, Varsity Health & Training Solutions invites you to join the Varsity Team and become part of a mission dedicated to making communities safer, stronger, and more prepared for tomorrow’s emergencies.
Rochester Commercial 2-Alarmer
In the late afternoon hours of May 31, 2026, Rochester firefighters were dispatched to Wood Street for a fire. Companies arrived to heavy smoke and fire showing from a single-story commercial building. Companies quickly stretched lines and made an aggres-
sive attack hitting fire in multiple spots. A second alarm was struck bringing extra resources to the scene. The fire was placed under control within 20 minutes of firefighters’ arrival. – Fire News photos by PuckStopperPhotography.com
