7/1/2012 City of Rensselaer Mutual Aid Structure Fire by Capt Mike Benson Jr.
At approximately 16:30hrs, the East Greenbush Fire Department was transmitted for a mutual aid fire in
the city of Rensselaer on Aiken Avenue on a 85 degree hot and humid day. A second alarm was transmitted
by Rensselaer FD Car 1 which brought Engine 8 to Rensselaer's North Station for a cover assignment,
however they were quickly transferred to the scene. Engine 8 was a 6 man crew under the helm of
Lieutenant Mark Becker.
Engine 9 transferred to the Rensselaer North Station, however they were then
called to the scene with a 4 man crew under the helm of Lieutenant Anthony Proulx. A special call
was then made from CHFD Car 1 for Truck 11 to the scene. Truck 11 responded with a 3 man crew
and assisted in roof operations with Rensselaer FD. Engine 7 then proceeded to the Rensselaer North Station,
however as they were in the vicinity of the Rensselaer firehouse on Washington Avenue, they were then called
to the scene by Rensselaer Fire Command. Engine 7 was a 6 man crew under the helm of Captain Mike Benson Jr.
All crews conducted interior fire attack, ventilation and overhaul work along with members from
the following fire departments: Rensselaer, Clinton Heights, Defreestville, Mountainview, and
West Sand Lake. EMS was supplied by Mohawk Ambulance and assistance from the crew from
West Sand Lake Fire. The fire did spread to a couple of other houses nearby.
The EGFD would like to thank Schodack Valley and Wynantskill for covering our North Station and Main Station.
The East Greenbush Fire Department operated at the mutual aid scene for approximately 2 1/2 hours
with approximately 19 members manning a Truck Company and 3 Engine Companies.
