GREEN ISLAND, NY — On November 26, 2025, at 4:58 p.m., multiple calls were received by the Albany County Emergency Communications Center reporting a structure fire at the Rivers Edge Apartments in the Village of Green Island, Building 27, Apartment 4. Callers reported that the apartment was on fire.

The Village of Green Island Fire Department, Watervliet Arsenal Fire Department, City of Cohoes Fire Department, and the City of Watervliet Fire Department responded to the scene. As Engine 1322 was responding and turned toward the apartment complex, crews observed heavy fire pushing out of the rear of the structure and extending up and over the roofline. The officer immediately requested a Signal 30 for a working structure fire.

Firefighters arrived on scene and deployed an inch-and-three-quarter handline to the rear of the building, requesting the line be charged. As the pump operator charged the line, police evacuated surrounding apartments. Firefighters aggressively knocked down the heavy fire at the rear of the building to prevent extension to the upper floors and roof.

Crews then made an interior push into the apartment, knocking down heavy fire in the living room and kitchen area. Dispatch notified command that cats were reportedly inside the apartment. The City of Watervliet Fire Department assisted with establishing a water supply, while the Watervliet Arsenal Fire Department positioned their truck company and raised it to the roof in preparation for possible ventilation operations.

Firefighters advanced to the second-floor apartment and conducted a primary search, determining that the heavy fire conditions at the rear had not extended into that unit. Firefighters operating on the first floor continued to extinguish hot spots and search for the cats inside the apartment.

Crews conducted extensive overhaul operations and opened the roof area at the rear of the building to ensure the fire had not extended into the attic. Firefighters later notified dispatch that the incident was under control. Overhaul operations continued for an extended period.

Firefighters remained on scene into the late evening hours while fire investigators worked to determine the cause of the fire. Unfortunately, one cat was located deceased inside the apartment. Due to the aggressive actions of the first-due engine company, firefighters were able to prevent the fire from spreading to other areas of the building, which has experienced multiple large fires in the past. No injuries were reported. The fire remains under investigation at this time.