Vischer Ferry Volunteer Fire Company

05/14/2026

We conducted another successful water supply training exercise last night, utilizing our new 4000-gallon tanker.

Leveraging the water from a single ETA and our tanker, we successfully maintained a continuous flow through two 1 3/4'' hoselines simultaneously for over 13 minutes, without requiring an additional water source.

Additionally, we practiced establishing a portable tank operation, connecting three tanks via a siphon system.

05/11/2026

05/01/2026

Members practiced water supply operations on Wednesday night, incorporating the new 4000-gallon tanker for pumping and setup, and offered hands-on experience for newer members with handlines.

04/30/2026

Congrats to Firefighter Ben Wilson and Firefighter Ryan Bruzdzinski on graduating from Firefighter 1 tonight! Our newest interior firefighters put in over 120 hours for this class while still going to drills, details, emergencies, and meetings. They're pictured here with Chief Kimball and Captain (Past Chief) Bruzdzinski.

04/29/2026

We spent the day at Shenendehowa Central School District High School's Career Fair. Always a pleasure getting to speak with students about volunteering in the community's fire service!

04/25/2026

Tonight we teamed up with our friends at Clifton Park Volunteer Fire Department for Shenendehowa's STEM Health & Discovery Night! Our members provided attendees with information on fire science that included a live fire demonstration!

04/25/2026

On Thursday, our members responded mutual aid with the Rexford Fire Department bringing an engine crew as part of the first alarm assignment. This incident marked the fourth of five responses handled by our dedicated volunteers yesterday.

04/20/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Vischer Ferry Volunteer Fire Company Issues Investigation Findings and Safety Advisory Following Weekend Residential Fires

CLIFTON PARK, NY — April 20, 2026 — Following a series of significant incidents over the weekend, the Vischer Ferry Volunteer Fire Company, in coordination with the Saratoga County Sheriff’s OEM Cause and Origin Team, is releasing the official findings regarding two second-alarm fires on Grooms Road and Van Vranken Road.

Both incidents have been ruled accidental in nature.

Investigation Results

622 Grooms Road (April 17): The investigation determined the origin and cause of this fire to be wind-blown embers from a backyard fire pit. The embers ignited lawn furniture in close proximity, and the fire subsequently progressed up the exterior of the residence and into the attic space.

78 Van Vranken Road (April 19): The investigation found that this fire resulted from a kerosene heater being operated in close proximity to combustible materials. The fire destroyed a shed and detached garage before being contained.

Safety Advisory from the Vischer Ferry Volunteer Fire Company

In light of these incidents, the Vischer Ferry Volunteer Fire Company is urging residents to exercise extreme caution and strictly adhere to safety protocols, particularly during the current Statewide Burn Ban.

"Whether you are enjoying a backyard fire pit or clearing brush, safety should always be your top priority," said Assistant Chief Michael Stanley. "Conditions can change in an instant, and a small spark can quickly lead to an uncontrollable blaze."

Critical Safety Guidelines

To prevent future tragedies, the Vischer Ferry Volunteer Fire Company advises the community to follow these essential safety measures:

Outdoor Fire Safety:

Check the Weather: Never ignite a fire on windy days. High gusts can carry embers long distances into dry vegetation or onto neighboring structures.

Maintain Distance: Keep all fires at least 25 feet away from homes, sheds, overhanging branches, and fences.

Clear the Area: Establish a 10-foot "safety zone" around any fire by clearing away dry leaves, pine needles, and flammable debris.

Constant Supervision: A responsible adult must supervise a fire from the moment it is lit until it is completely extinguished.

Heating Safety:

The Three-Foot Rule: Give your heater space. Keep all flammable materials—including curtains, bedding, rugs, and furniture—at least 3 feet away from the unit.

Stable Placement: Place heaters on flat, level surfaces where they cannot be easily knocked over. Avoid placing heaters on cabinets, tables, or carpets.

The Vischer Ferry Volunteer Fire Company remains committed to the safety of the Town of Clifton Park. Residents are encouraged to review these safety tips to protect their homes and families.

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04/20/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Vischer Ferry Volunteer Fire Company Responds to Second‑Alarm Residential Fire on Van Vranken Road

Clifton Park, NY — April 19, 2026 — The Vischer Ferry Volunteer Fire Company responded to a residential fire at 78 Van Vranken Road in the Vischer Ferry Fire District, Town of Clifton Park, after receiving a dispatch at 14:27 this afternoon. Due to heavy fire conditions encountered on arrival, a Second Alarm was transmitted, bringing additional mutual‑aid fire companies to the scene.

Firefighters worked quickly to contain the fire, which involved a shed and detached garage. The fire was declared under control at 14:50. The shed and detached garage were destroyed, and the adjacent residence sustained minor damage. No residents were displaced.

One firefighter sustained a minor injury, was treated on scene, and released.

Agencies Operating on Scene

The Vischer Ferry Volunteer Fire Company extends sincere appreciation to all agencies that responded and operated on scene, including:

Clifton Park Fire Department

Halfmoon Fire Department

Jonesville Fire Department

West Crescent Fire Department

New York State Police

Clifton Park–Halfmoon Ambulance

Saratoga County Sheriff’s OEM Deputy Fire Coordinators and Cause & Origin Team

Town of Clifton Park Building, Security & Highway Departments

Additional thanks go to the Rexford Fire Department for providing station coverage during the incident.

The Vischer Ferry Volunteer Fire Company also thanks the Vischer Ferry Ladies Auxiliary for providing on‑scene refreshments and support to firefighters throughout the incident.

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Saratoga County Sheriff’s OEM Cause & Origin Team.

About the Vischer Ferry Volunteer Fire Company

The Vischer Ferry Volunteer Fire Company proudly serves the Vischer Ferry Fire District in the Town of Clifton Park, providing fire suppression, rescue services, and community engagement. Staffed by dedicated volunteers, the department remains committed to protecting life and property through rapid response, training, and community partnership.