City of Rensselaer Fire Department

09/02/2026

Two Alarms Called at Lower Broadway Fire

Crews spent much of the afternoon operating at a two-alarm fire off Lower Broadway in the city’s Fort Crailo neighborhood.

Upon arrival, firefighters encountered smoke coming from a historic three-story residence, with active fire in the basement and on the first floor.

With assistance from the Clinton Heights Fire Department, East Greenbush Fire Company,Inc., Defreestville Fire Department. Mohawk Ambulance Service, and Wynantskill Fire Department, crews were able to contain the fire to the basement and first floor. More than 40 firefighters operated at the scene for approximately two hours.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the City’s Public Safety Fire Investigation Unit.

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📷 - Keith A Bradt
📷 - Sidewinder Photography

⬇ - For Local News Reporting

09/01/2026

We did a thing…

Last night, we brought together firefighters from across our mutual-aid network for the New York State Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Services Truck Company Operations course.

Members of the East Greenbush Fire Company,Inc., Clinton Heights Fire Department, Wynantskill Fire Department, Defreestville Fire Department, and the City of Rensselaer Fire Department trained side by side through our Municipal Training Program and shared-services mutual-aid compact.

These are the same firefighters and departments we depend on during multiple-alarm fires, automatic-aid responses, and whenever an apparatus is out of service. Training together before the call matters. It strengthens communication, builds trust, and gives our members hands-on familiarity with each department’s equipment, apparatus, and operating practices.

08/27/2026

It never gets old.

Having the opportunity to spend time with the youngest members of our community, teach them a few things, and let them experience a little bit of what we do is one of the best parts of this job.

They may come to visit us because they think fire trucks and firefighters are cool, but we hope they leave having learned something, feeling a little more comfortable around first responders, and knowing that their fire department is always here for them.

Supporting the next generation and building relationships with our community starts early, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. 🚒

08/23/2026

Sliding into the week like… 🛝🚒

After being gone for several years, Rensselaer Fest is BACK and we were glad to be part of it!

Our Community Risk Reduction (CRR) Team and EMS crews spent the weekend at the Fest meeting residents, talking safety, providing EMS coverage, and maybe even testing out a ride or two. 😎

It was great seeing so many families, friends, and neighbors back together enjoying a Rensselaer tradition.

Welcome back, Rensselaer Fest, you were missed! ❤️🚒

08/16/2026

💧WATER BREAK💧

Please see note from Mayor John DeFrancesco’s Office regarding a water main break effecting city residents.

WATER BREAK - City of Rensselaer!

There is a water line break in the vicinity of Tracy St and Forbes Ave in the City of Rensselaer. Please consider alternative routes.

Updates will be posted as they become available.

08/16/2026

⛑️ UNUSUAL INCIDENT | DRONE RESPONSE ⛑️

Crews are assisting Rensselaer City Police Dept, New York State Police, and Albany Permanent Professional Firefighters Association Local 2007 searching for a possible missing vulnerable adult.

08/15/2026

Pilots FF/EMT Davenport and FF/EMT Phillips responded to this Second Alarm in the defreestville_fire_department’s primary service area. Additionally, Eng Co 3 was put in service as a company to support DFD’s . Working with who were monitoring the drone’s live feed the pilots were able to guide rescue to the injured hiker.

08/15/2026

⚠️ UNUSUAL INCIDENT | TECHNICAL RESCUE ⚠️

At approximately 11:10 a.m. today, the City of Rensselaer Fire Department was requested to assist the Defreestville Fire Department with an injured hiker in a remote wooded area off Stone Clay Road in North Greenbush.

Rensselaer Fire deployed our Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS/Drone) to assist crews in locating the injured hiker. Using thermal imaging and live video feed being monitored by Rensselaer County - Public Safety Dispatch Supervisors our drone team was able to pinpoint the patient’s exact location and relay that information to Command and rescue crews.

08/12/2026

The City’s team spent several hours this morning supporting a possible water rescue in the Hudson River Cooridor. Marine Units from APPFA L2007, Troy Firefighters Local 86, New York State Police and Albany County Sheriff and drones units from the City and Rensselaer County Sheriff's Office spent several hours searching in and around the area of the Patroon Island Bridge.

08/12/2026

⛑️ ACTIVE INCIDENT | HUDSON RIVER ⛑️

Crews are actively working an incident in the area of the Patroon Island Bridge. Please avoid the area and allow emergency personnel room to operate.

Additional information will be provided as appropriate.