A fire in an apartment building in Bethlehem was contained before it could spread to other apartments. 

Fire crews were dispatched to 7 Eastmount Dr just after 6 p.m. on Tuesday, November 12, for a report of a possible structure fire. 

The initial 911 caller stated their apartment was filling with smoke. 

“On arrival I had a smoke condition on the second floor of the building banked down to the floor with occupants outside reporting a fire,” said Chief Cameron Becker of the North Bethlehem Fire Department. 

Additional mutual aid departments were requested to the scene to help control and contain the flames as quickly and efficiently as possible. 

“Due to the type of occupancy, building construction and location of the fire, a signal 30 (working fire) was transmitted,” Becker said. 

Firefighters had to stretch a large amount of hose to reach from the engine to the fire apartment due to how far the apartment door was from the parking location of the engine. 

Fire departments on scene included North Bethlehem, Mckownville, Westmere, Fort Hunter (FAST), Slingerlands, Guilderland and Delmar fire departments. 

Delmar-Bethlehem EMS, Albany County Paramedics, Bethlehem Police also responded to the scene. 

Becker says firefighters were able to contain the fire to the apartment of origin, with smoke and water damage to a few of the adjoining apartments. 

“Building construction could have played a factor if the fire wasn’t contained to the one unit,” he said. “No fire stops were present, it could have easily spread to the other units.” 

Ladder trucks from Delmar and Guilderland fire departments responded and assisted getting firefighters to the roof of the building and breaking second floor windows for ventilation and checking for any fire extension. 

No injuries were reported on scene. 

Blessing Road was closed in the area while crews were on scene as there were fire trucks parked along the roadway. 

The Bethlehem Police Fire Investigation Team is conducting the investigation and an official cause has still not been released, however, a Facebook post from Bethlehem Police states the fire does not appear suspicious.