WEST SAND LAKE, NY — On February 19, 2026, at 3:18 AM, the West Sand Lake Fire Department, Wynantskill Fire Department, East Greenbush Fire Department, Averill Park Fire Department, and Sand Lake Ambulance were dispatched to the 43 Mall for a reported structure fire. The caller reported black smoke and flames coming from the roof of the building. Sand Lake Ambulance notified the dispatcher that they had heavy smoke and fire showing from their building across the street. Averill Park Car 1 went en route, and the dispatcher relayed the additional information from the ambulance on scene. The chief immediately transmitted a second alarm and the tanker task force assignment, bringing the Best Luther Fire Department, Poestenkill Fire Department, Defreestville Fire Department, Eagle Mills Fire Department, East Schodack Fire Department, South Schodack Fire Department, Hoags Corners Fire Department, Clinton Heights Fire Department, and Tsatsawassa Fire Department to the scene.

Command arrived on scene to find heavy fire showing from Crossroads American Grille, which was rapidly spreading. The first-arriving engine immediately deployed multiple handlines and began attempting to knock down the heavy fire conditions from the exterior of the structure. Command established a tanker drop site for water supply in the parking lot of the 43 Mall. Approximately 16 minutes into the incident, the roof of the main fire building collapsed, and firefighters transitioned to defensive operations. With no fire hydrants near the mall, crews attempted to establish a water source near the brook by the bridge entering the mall area, but it was frozen over. Within minutes, another portion of the roof collapsed due to the heavy fire conditions.

Firefighters then worked to establish water supply operations at nearby Racquet Lake and at a hydrant near Hart Lane. However, many of the dry hydrants and water sources in the area were heavily frozen due to harsh winter conditions, making it difficult to secure a reliable and close water supply.

As mutual aid tankers arrived, they began supplying water to the scene; however, due to the intensity of the fire, water supplies were quickly depleted. Firefighters continued deploying multiple handlines and conducted exposure protection to prevent the fire from spreading to other sections of the mall. As operations continued, heavy smoke began pushing from Unbreakable Nutrition, and fire extended into the attic space. Crews operating on the Delta side attempted to knock down the attic fire, but conditions were too intense. Firefighters then advanced a 2½-inch handline to the front of the structure, where a collapse had already occurred, and attempted to suppress the main body of fire. The truck company from the Wynantskill Fire Department initiated master stream operations, but due to water supply limitations, they were only able to operate briefly before shutting down.

Tankers continued to shuttle water, making a demanding three-mile round trip to refill. As operations progressed, the fire in Unbreakable Nutrition fully engulfed the structure, and the front of the building collapsed. During this time, multiple large explosions occurred in the rear of the building, shaking nearby apparatus. Firefighters shifted focus to the adjacent occupancy, where heavy smoke was pushing from the roof. Crews cut into the roof and searched for fire extension beyond the firewall, working to ensure the fire did not spread further.

Firefighters continued operations throughout the morning to bring the incident under control. Crews from numerous departments maintained water supply efforts while fire investigators from Rensselaer County and the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control worked to determine the cause. More than 100 firefighters responded to the incident. Two firefighters sustained minor injuries requiring medical evaluation, along with several others who experienced slips, trips, and falls due to icy conditions at fill sites and on scene.

West Sand Lake Fire Department officials said the response highlighted the strength and unity of the local community. In a statement following the incident, the department expressed deep gratitude to residents and local businesses who supported firefighters during the lengthy operation.

“In moments like this, the true character of a community shines through,” the department said. “We extend our deepest thanks to our residents and community partners who stepped up in support of the men and women working tirelessly through the early morning hours. A special thank you to Dunkin’ for generously donating several boxes of hot coffee, and to Chick-fil-A for providing breakfast sandwiches to help keep our firefighters fueled as they battled this blaze. We also thank the West Sand Lake Auxiliary for their support in serving the many firefighters on scene. These acts of kindness mean more than words can express after hours of operating in cold, challenging conditions.”

The department also offered words of support to the businesses affected by the fire, emphasizing that the community stands firmly behind them. Officials encouraged residents to support those impacted in the weeks and months ahead by shopping local, spreading the word, and assisting with recovery efforts.

“West Sand Lake has always been defined by resilience,” the statement continued. “Once again, that spirit is on full display.”