CLIFTON PARK, NY – On April 17, 2026, at 4:46 p.m., the Vischer Ferry Fire Department, along with mutual aid from the Clifton Park Fire Department, Waterford-Halfmoon Fire Department, West Crescent Fire Department, Clifton Park Emergency Medical Services, Rexford Fire Department, Jonesville Fire Department, and the Stratton Air National Guard Fire Department, was dispatched to 622 Grooms Road for a reported structure fire. The caller reported that the rear of the house was on fire.

The first-arriving chief pulled into the driveway and observed heavy smoke showing from the front of the residence, immediately transmitting a second alarm. Command confirmed that all occupants had safely evacuated the structure and were accounted for. Heavy fire conditions were present on the rear side of the home, but the first-arriving engine was only a few minutes from the scene.

Firefighters immediately deployed an inch-and-three-quarter hand line to the rear of the structure and began an aggressive attack on the heavy fire conditions. Due to the extremely long driveway, the next-arriving engine established a water supply on Grooms Road and supplied water to crews operating at the scene. As firefighters continued exterior suppression efforts, heavy smoke was observed pushing from the roof of the home.

A second inch-and-three-quarter hand line was deployed into the structure, and firefighters advanced to the second floor, where they encountered fire extension into the roof area. Crews also discovered structural failure in a portion of the roof caused by the burn-through of a roof rafter.

The Clifton Park Fire Department's truck company arrived on scene, positioned in the driveway, and extended its aerial bucket to the roof. Additional mutual aid companies arrived and staged in the front yard before being assigned to search operations within the home. At the same time, crews on the second floor conducted fire suppression efforts to extinguish fire that had extended into the roof area.

As firefighters continued operations, the heavy smoke conditions pushing from the roof began to dissipate. Crews operating in the rear portion of the second floor directed hose streams into the roof area to extinguish remaining hidden hot spots.

Within 15 minutes of the initial dispatch, more than 50 firefighters had arrived on scene to assist with the second alarm response. Firefighters continued aggressive suppression efforts both inside the home and at the rear of the structure. Within 10 minutes, the main body of fire was knocked down, and crews began overhaul operations. Fire investigators arrived on scene and began examining the cause and origin of the fire.

The investigation determined that the fire originated when wind-blown embers from a backyard fire pit ignited lawn furniture located near the home. The fire subsequently spread up the exterior of the residence and into the attic space.

Assistant Chief Michael Stanley stated, "Whenever you are enjoying a backyard fire pit or clearing brush, safety should always be your top priority. Conditions can change in an instant, and a small spark can lead to an uncontrollable blaze."

No injuries were reported as a result of the fire. The American Red Cross was called to assist the family. Firefighters returned to service during the early evening hours.