CLINTON HEIGHTS, NY – On July 18, 2025, at 6:59 PM, the Clinton Heights Fire Department, along with the Bruen Rescue Squad, was dispatched to 247 Pinehurst Avenue for a reported structure fire with multiple calls. Callers reported that the house was on fire.

Clinton Heights Car 1 called en route to the scene. The dispatcher notified the chief that they were receiving multiple calls about the fire, prompting the chief to request the Defreestville Fire Department be dispatched with their Rapid Intervention Crew. Clinton Heights Car 1 also notified the dispatcher that there was a heavy column of smoke visible from Hampton Avenue and requested a second alarm.

The second alarm was transmitted immediately, bringing the East Greenbush Fire Department and Best Luther Fire Department to the scene, and the Castleton Fire Department to the Clinton Heights station for standby coverage.

Clinton Heights arrived on scene with heavy smoke showing from the roof and a significant fire condition in the rear of the structure. The chief quickly performed a 360 walk-around and confirmed that all occupants were out of the house. Command requested National Grid to the scene.

The first arriving engine deployed a 1¾-inch hand line to the front door while additional crew members connected to a nearby hydrant. Firefighters pushed into the structure and up the stairs, where they encountered heavy fire conditions. An aggressive interior attack was initiated, and a significant portion of the fire was knocked down. Within twelve minutes of the initial dispatch, firefighters had the heavy fire under control inside the structure.

Truck company personnel arrived, laddered the front of the structure, and made their way to the roof. Firefighters from the Rapid Intervention Group set up in front of the home and conducted a walk-around to assess egress issues and potential challenges in the event of an emergency.

Engines 8, 9, and 36 arrived on scene, and their crews assisted interior operations. Firefighters on the roof began vertical ventilation, while those inside conducted horizontal ventilation, as a significant smoke condition persisted throughout the house. Additional interior crews pulled ceilings in the fire area to access the attic, as smoke continued to escape around the chimney. Firefighters who had been working inside came out to cool down, hydrate, and change their air bottles.

Crews inside performed extensive overhaul operations. No injuries were reported among occupants or firefighters.

The City of Rensselaer Fire Investigators and Rensselaer County Fire Investigators responded to conduct the cause and origin investigation.

Thanks to the rapid response of Clinton Heights firefighters and their aggressive fire tactics, the fire was brought under control in under 15 minutes. Their swift action prevented the fire from spreading through the entire structure. The professionalism, dedication, and courage of these volunteer firefighters reflect the spirit of service that protects and uplifts the Clinton Heights community.