RENSSELAER, NY – On May 27, 2025, at 2:48 PM, the City of Rensselaer Fire Department, along with Mohawk Ambulance, was dispatched to 35 Glen Street for multiple reports of a working structure fire. Callers were uncertain whether the house had been evacuated.

The fire chief responded and arrived on scene to find heavy fire and smoke showing from the first floor. A second alarm was immediately transmitted, bringing in the Defreestville Fire Department for the Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC), as well as the Clinton Heights and East Greenbush Fire Departments.

Firefighters quickly deployed a 1¾-inch handline to the front door. Rensselaer firefighters made an aggressive interior push, while additional crews moved to the second and third floors to search for occupants.

Within minutes, firefighters on the first floor knocked down the main body of fire and reported unfavorable conditions in that area. The Defreestville RIC arrived and conducted a quick 360-degree walk-around of the structure. Clinton Heights and East Greenbush firefighters also arrived and entered the structure to conduct secondary searches and overhauloperations on the first floor.

During the secondary search, firefighters discovered a dog on the floor above the fire. The animal was brought outside for evaluation. At that point, Command requested Mohawk Ambulance to respond directly to the scene to evaluate a patient.

As overhaul operations continued, firefighters discovered a puppy, which was also brought outside, given oxygen, and evaluated. Firefighters working above the fire floor confirmed no fire extension. Extensive overhaul operations on the first floor continued for an extended period.

Fire investigators arrived on scene and began their investigation into the cause of the fire.

One individual sustained an injury and was evaluated on scene by Mohawk Ambulance personnel. Both dogs were cared for by members of the East Greenbush and Rensselaer Fire Departments.

Thanks to the rapid response and aggressive tactics of the Rensselaer Fire Department, the fire was brought under control quickly and prevented from spreading to other parts of the building. As of now, no official cause of the fire has been publicly released.