LATHAM, NY - On April 20th at 2:34 P.M., the Latham Fire Department, along with mutual aid from Verdoy Fire Department and Boght Community Fire Co. for the FAST, responded to 579 Troy Schenectady Road at Dick’s Sporting Goods for a structure fire. The caller reported that the roof was on fire and black smoke and fire was visible.

As Car 28 was traveling towards the scene, a large black column of smoke was visible off in the distance. On arrival, Car 28 immediately transmitted the second-alarm as he had fire and heavy smoke showing from the roof. The second-alarm brought the Shaker Road, Menands and Maplewood Fire Departments to the scene.

Car 28 had multiple workers on the roof of the structure as it was on fire. Command was ordering the individuals off the roof. Trucks 4 and 11 arrived on scene and immediately set up in the front of the building and made their way to the roof. Engine 415 took the hydrant nearest to the front of the building. Firefighters quickly established a water supply to the truck companies and firefighters on the roof began to knock down the remaining fire. Crews then began conducting overhaul on the roof to make sure that there was no extension inside of the structure.

Fire investigators arrived on scene and began conducting their investigation into the incident. Firefighters remained on scene for an extended period of time. No injuries were reported. The building suffered minor damage, but it was under renovation at the time of the incident. The cause of the fire was from a grinder sending sparks into the insulation. Firefighters went back into service shortly after 3:30 P.M.