05/13/2026
At 10:14 AM on Tuesday, May 12, the Guilderland Fire Department was requested for a Hazardous Materials Decontamination mutual aid response to the Albany County Water Treatment Facility located at 143 New Salem South Road in Voorheesville, following reports of a chlorine leak.
Guilderland firefighters responded with the department’s Hazardous Materials Decontamination Trailer and specialized equipment, standing by on scene while ventilation and atmospheric metering operations were conducted by the West Albany Fire Department's Hazardous Materials Team. The incident was ultimately determined to be safe, with no exposures reported to first responders.
This incident marked the first emergency response for the Guilderland Fire Department in its role as the Albany County Hazardous Materials Decontamination Unit. Department members have completed New York State Hazardous Materials Decontamination training and continue to participate in ongoing refresher training and requalification programs to maintain readiness and competency in this critical public safety function.