MENANDS, NY – On May 24, 2026, at 5:26 p.m., the Menands Fire Department, along with mutual aid from the Shaker Road Fire Department, Latham Fire Department, Watervliet Arsenal Fire Department, Boght Community Fire Company, West Albany Fire Department, and Colonie Emergency Medical Services, was dispatched to 250 Broadway, home of the Menands Fire Department, for multiple reports of a structure fire. Callers reported a fire truck burning inside the apparatus bay.

Chief 36 immediately notified dispatch to transmit a Signal 30 for a working structure fire after observing a heavy column of black smoke visible in the distance. Police units arrived on scene and reported a well-involved fire apparatus inside the station. Multiple members of the department arrived and attempted to gain access to the building to retrieve turnout gear and remove apparatus from the fire station.

Firefighters entered the structure and were able to open one apparatus bay door. Heavy black smoke immediately began pushing from the remaining bays and windows of the building. Firefighters entered the rescue truck, drove it out of the station, and quickly deployed a handline to begin knocking down the fire involving Squad 6. The chief requested additional engines to respond to the scene.

Additional handlines were deployed from the damaged apparatus as firefighters began flowing water onto the burning rig. Crews attempted to open another bay door to access the department's truck company, but the door mechanism had already melted. After unsuccessful attempts to cut the door open with a saw, command directed an assistant chief to drive the truck through the front of the apparatus bay in an effort to save it.

Firefighters conducted an aggressive interior attack and were able to knock down a significant portion of the fire. Truck 9 arrived on scene and crews positioned in front of the structure before accessing the roof to check for extension after fire had traveled up the front of the building. Firefighters also established a water supply in front of the station.

Mutual aid companies assisted with removing turnout gear from the building while Menands firefighters quickly donned their equipment and continued efforts to save the station. Heavy smoke conditions were encountered on the second floor, prompting firefighters to ventilate windows and search for fire extension. Multiple ventilation fans were deployed to remove smoke from the structure.

Members of the police department checked their portion of the building after smoke migrated into their offices. The municipal complex houses multiple village services, and smoke conditions were present throughout portions of the structure. Firefighters were able to remove a significant amount of turnout gear and other equipment from the building as crews worked to salvage as much property as possible.

Command later advised dispatch that the main body of fire had been knocked down and the incident was under control, with only significant smoke conditions remaining inside the building. A command post was established in front of the fire station.

Firefighters continued extensive overhaul operations throughout the evening as the mayor and fire chief assessed the damage. The apparatus bay sustained significant fire damage, including structural damage to the ceiling above the bay area.

Town of Colonie Car 1 arrived on scene and began working with command to develop a plan for continued fire protection services, as all Menands Fire Department apparatus had either been destroyed or sustained significant damage. Firefighters began gathering and inventorying equipment that had been removed from the station.

Town of Colonie Car 1 contacted the neighboring Schuyler Heights Fire District, which had recently ceased fire company operations, regarding the use of its fire station and apparatus. District commissioners offered the use of the station and available apparatus to assist Menands while recovery efforts continue.

Firefighters remained on scene for much of the evening removing equipment and salvaging property. Neighboring departments provided apparatus and station coverage while the Menands Fire Department remained out of service.

During the early morning hours of May 25, 2026, Mayor Brian Marsh stated during an appearance on the Paul Vandenberg Show that an iPad located inside one of the apparatus may have been the source of the fire. The official cause remains under investigation.

Only one minor injury was reported during the incident, and no additional medical treatment was required.

Structural engineers are evaluating the fire station and municipal building to determine whether the structure remains safe for occupancy. Preliminary estimates place the loss of apparatus, equipment, and damage to the station at more than $5 million.

Town of Colonie fire investigators continue to examine the scene and determine the official cause of the fire.

Anyone wishing to make a donation to assist the Menands Fire Department may send contributions to:

Menands Fire Company

280 Broadway

Menands, NY 12204