For FDNY Probationary Firefighter Matthew Adams, an early-morning apartment fire on August 1, 2026, in Coney Island, Brooklyn, New York, became a memorable moment early in his career when he located and removed a resident from a cluttered fire apartment.

Adams, assigned to Ladder Company 166, responded with FDNY companies shortly after 6:30 a.m. to 2926 West 25th Street. Members encountered an apartment fire where heavy clutter complicated search and suppression operations.

During the search, Adams entered the apartment, located a resident and removed the victim to safety. The civilian was turned over to EMS and transported to an area hospital in serious condition. The rescue put the probationary firefighter's training into practice during challenging interior conditions.

The incident ultimately went to an all-hands assignment, bringing 38 FDNY units and approximately 120 fire and EMS personnel to the scene. One firefighter suffered minor injuries and was transported for treatment. The fire was placed under control at approximately 7:22 a.m.

While the incident involved a significant response, Adams' rescue became one of the defining moments of the operation—a probationary firefighter doing the job alongside the members of Ladder 166 and the other companies operating on West 25th Street.