10/16/2017 Wal-Mart Fire by Mike Benson Jr.

At approximately 16:39hrs on October 16, 2017 the East Greenbush Fire Department was dispatched to the Wal-Mart store located at 279 Troy Road for a reported structure fire. As Car 1 and Car 4 were responding to the call, the East Greenbush Emergency Communications Center alerted both Chiefs that an EGPD Sergeant arrived on scene and stated he had a heavy smoke condition inside the building and was investigating further. Car 4 arrived first on scene and met up with the EGPD Sergeant in the back of the store, and it was reported to Car 4 that the fire had been knocked down by an employee with a fire extinguisher. Car 4 assumed operations and advised Car 1 on his arrival that the fire was knocked down and that there was still a heavy smoke condition throughout the retail and grocery section of the store.

Engine 7, Engine 9, Truck 11 and Rescue 11 arrived a short time after dispatch and deployed their ventilation equipment at both the front and rear of the large retail store. Truck 11 and Rescue 11's crew were positioned at the back of the building to begin ventilation. Engine 7 and Engine 9 were positioned at the front of the building conducting ventilation operations. Engine 8 arrived a short time later and command advised them to stage in the parking lot to remain in service to handle any additional alarms in East Greenbush Fire District#3.

East Greenbush Car 1 requested our neighboring fire department; the Clinton Heights Fire Department for additional ventilation fans. The Clinton Heights Fire Department arrived on scene shortly after their dispatch with CHFD Car 2 and Utility 8 with their ventilation equipment. Command also requested the Town of Schodack Fire Investigation team whom worked hand and hand with the members of the East Greenbush Police Department on scene.

Car 1 operated on scene for approximately 2 hours with Car 4, E-7, E-8, E-9, T-11, and R-11 along with the Fire Police Squad and members from the Clinton Heights Fire Department. Upon termination of command the store employees were allowed back in the store to work with management to have the store fully operational.