SCHUYLERVILLE, NY – On May 31, 2025, at 2:28 PM, numerous calls poured into the Saratoga County Emergency Communications Center reporting a major fire at 42 Gates Avenue, the Victory Mills. Callers stated the building was heavily involved. The Victory Mills Fire Department was dispatched to the scene.

The first chief en route reported seeing heavy smoke from a distance and immediately requested additional resources: an engine tanker from Middle Falls Fire Department, a FAST team from Saratoga Springs Fire Department, a ladder company from Greenwich Fire Department, an engine tanker from Quaker Springs, and a tower from Greenfield and Schuylerville Fire Departments.

Thick black smoke billowed from Victory Mill, visible from over five miles away despite the rain. Upon arrival, the chief found heavy fire showing from a five-story, mill-style structure, with flames pouring from every window, end-to-end, as well as from an exposure building. Command quickly transmitted second and third alarms, bringing a significant number of resources to the scene.

Despite heavy rain, the heat from the structure could be felt up to 200 feet away. County coordinators and fire investigators were immediately dispatched. First-arriving units began setting up drop tanks for water supply and connected to a nearby hydrant, recognizing the scale of the operation.

The first arriving truck company set up in a parking lot outside the collapse zone and extended their ladder to the fourth floor. As they worked, parts of the already-burning building began collapsing. Firefighters laid two five-inch supply lines from Fish Creek onto Bridge Street. Command established a tanker relay from a nearby draft site to supplement the municipal water supply. Numerous tankers from Washington and Saratoga Counties responded.

Two engine companies and a truck company positioned themselves at the rear of the building to protect nearby structures containing propane tanks that were not part of the property.

As additional truck companies arrived, they deployed their ladders in front of the structure. Firefighters launched multiple 2½-inch handlines with blitz fires to tackle the flames from the front. Defensive tactics were employed as crews battled the intense fire.

Ladder companies went into operation quickly, supported by a steady flow of water from the draft sites. However, firefighters occasionally ran out of water due to the high usage—over 2,000 gallons per minute—but this had minimal impact on progress. Tankers arrived in coordinated groups to refill the portable ponds, allowing crews to continue their attack. Firefighters using blitz lines in front faced challenges from overgrown vegetation but quickly adapted, cutting trees that blocked master stream operations and improving efficiency.

As the operation continued, significant portions of the building collapsed, sending large columns of black smoke and embers into the sky. Firefighters, drenched from the heavy rain, remained on scene. A well-organized system at the draft site allowed 8,000 gallons of water to be delivered to the scene every few minutes.

Fire investigators determined the building had no power or utilities connected. Investigators quickly developed leads and located the teenagers responsible for starting the fire. They were taken into custody for questioning and subsequently arrested.

Following the investigation, the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office charged two juveniles with Arson in the Third Degree (a Class E felony) and Criminal Trespass in the Second Degree (a Class A misdemeanor). The juveniles are accused of intentionally starting the fire and unlawfully entering a secured structure. They were released to their parents and are scheduled to appear in Family Court.

Fire crews remained on scene into the late evening. Over 100 firefighters and 23 pieces of apparatus responded.

Firefighters returned the following day for hotspots as demolition crews began taking the structure down. A truck company was used to reach collapsed areas and extinguish remaining fire. In total, firefighters spent over 16 hours on scene. No injuries were reported.

The fire department expressed gratitude to local residents and businesses who donated food, drinks, canopies, and other support throughout the incident.

Multiple agencies provided invaluable assistance during the response, including: Quaker Springs VFD, Schuyler Hose Co., Gansevoort VFD, Wilton Fire Department, Maple Avenue Fire Co., Saratoga Springs Fire Department, Arvin Hart Fire Co., Malta Ridge VFC, Stillwater Fire Department, South Glens Falls Fire Co., Middle Falls Fire Department, Greenwich Fire Department, Easton Volunteer Fire Co., Salem Volunteer Fire Department, Inc., Argyle Fire Department, Fort Edward Fire Department, Wilton EMS, Easton-Greenwich Rescue Squad, Saratoga County Office of Emergency Management, Washington County Office of Emergency Management Coordinators, Saratoga County Sheriff's Office, New York State Police, Saratoga County Public Safety Cause and Origin Team, New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control Fire Investigators, Town of Saratoga Highway Department, and Saratoga County DPW.