ALBANY, NY – On March 24, 2026, at 3:24 P.M., the City of Albany Fire Department was dispatched to 13 2nd Street for multiple reports of a structure fire. Engine 2, Truck 2, the Rescue Squad, Engine 1, Engine 5, Truck 4, Engine 7, Engine 9, Mohawk Ambulance Service, and the Battalion Chief responded to the scene.

The first arriving unit immediately transmitted a Signal 30 after encountering heavy fire showing from the first floor, extending to the second floor of the structure. Engine 2’s crew quickly forced entry through the front door, while firefighters advanced to the second floor to conduct a primary search.

Firefighters rapidly attacked the heavy fire venting from the front windows with a handline, then advanced into the first floor to initiate an aggressive interior attack. Within seconds, the bulk of the fire was knocked down. An additional handline was deployed to the second floor due to fire extension.

The entire building was heavily charged with smoke, and crews began opening ceilings on the second floor, where fire had extended from below. A ladder was placed to the rear of the structure as firefighters checked for further extension. Crews also vented the front windows, sending glass onto the sidewalk below.

As operations continued on the second floor, crews located additional fire that had extended into an apartment. Firefighters opened walls and ceilings to expose hidden fire, which was then extinguished using a handline. Extensive overhaul operations were conducted on both the first and second floors, including pulling apart the windowsill areas to ensure all fire was extinguished.

Firefighters on the second floor successfully contained all remaining hidden fire that had extended from the first floor. Unfortunately, due to heavy smoke conditions prior to firefighters’ arrival, dogs located on the third floor perished.

Firefighters remained on scene for an extended period, and the fire was brought under control in approximately 20 minutes. No other injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.