On August 8, 2026, at 4:40 p.m., Albany dispatchers received multiple calls reporting a structure fire at 526 Hamilton Street. Engines 7, 1 and 10, the Rescue Squad, Rescue 1, Trucks 2, 3 and 4, Mohawk Ambulance Service and the battalion chief responded. Engine 7 arrived with smoke showing from the roof and transmitted a Signal 30.

Firefighters stretched a 1¾-inch handline through the front door and advanced to the second floor while additional crews conducted primary searches. The third-due engine established a water supply to Engine 7 from a nearby hydrant. Searches of the first and second floors were negative for occupants, but firefighters rescued a dog from the second floor and brought it safely outside.

Crews opened ceilings on the second floor while truck companies ventilated the roof as heavy smoke traveled through the cockloft. A second handline was placed in service, and conditions intensified as crews exposed significant fire above the ceiling. Roof crews reported fire pushing through the roof near the chimney.

Firefighters knocked down the heavy fire in the attic and continued extensive overhaul, opening ceilings and the roof to extinguish remaining hot spots. No injuries were reported. The fire was brought under control, investigators responded to determine the cause, and the Red Cross was contacted for the occupants. Firefighters returned to service later that afternoon.

(1RN News Desk Helped Contributed to This Story)