Firefighters rescue two residents, several pets, from Schenectady fire; Two homes damaged

PHOTOGRAPHER: Peter R. Barber

The scene Wednesday morning

SCHENECTADY — City firefighters on Wednesday rescued two people from a Foster Avenue structure fire in the Goosehill Neighborhood.

No residents were hurt, but two firefighters suffered non-life-threatening injuries battling the blaze, Fire Chief Don Mareno said.

The fire broke out in the back of 1503 Foster Ave. at 7:48 a.m. When crews arrived on the scene three minutes later, they discovered the building was occupied by five individuals and that several had already evacuated, Mareno said.

Firefighters were able to rescue two other people along with several pets, including several snakes and hamsters, on the building’s first floor, according to Mareno, who said he believes the structure can be salvaged.

“It was good for the people to see their family pets were saved,” Mareno said.

He added that the home sustained extensive fire damage in the rear as well as smoke and water damage throughout, but believes the building can be salvaged. Firefighters extinguished the blaze in around 45 minutes.

The fire spread to the attic of neighboring 1507 Foster Ave., which sustained fire and water damage. Between five and seven individuals occupied the home at the time, though no civilian injuries were reported.

Two firefighters sustained non-life threatening injuries while battling the blaze. They were transported to Ellis Hospital and have since been released, Mareno said.

The Red Cross was called in to assist the families impacted by the blaze, Mareno said.

The fire remains under investigation.

Foster Avenue Fire (5 Photos)

Schenectady firefighter Anthony Lucier, left, and Capt. Matthew Reinemann can be seen in the bucket of Truck 2. PETER R. BARBER/THE DAILY GAZETTE

Schenectady firefighters Capt. Matthew Reinemann and Anthony Lucier work high above 1507-1509 Foster Ave. PETER R. BARBER/THE DAILY GAZETTE

PETER R. BARBER/THE DAILY GAZETTE

Schenectady firefighter Jack DiLorenzo pours water on the rear of 1507 and 1509 Foster Ave. after fire broke out in 1503 and 1505 Foster Ave. PETER R. BARBER/THE DAILY GAZETTE