Aug. 23--SCHENECTADY -- Five city firefighters were hurt early Friday battling a stubborn blaze that destroyed a two-family residence and displaced five people, Chief Michael Della Rocco said.
The firefighters suffered "relatively minor injuries" after the roof and chimney at 1585 Van Vranken Ave. collapsed as they tried to prevent the blaze from spreading to the dwelling next door, the chief said.
"We're very fortunate that their injuries were not more serious," he said, and they were released from Ellis Hospital after treatment for injuries ranging from bruises to back problems and a possible concussion. Replacement firefighters were called in.
It took nearly 30 firefighters several hours to get the blaze under control but not before the second floor collapsed onto the first floor in the rear of the home, where it appears the fire originated, according to Della Rocco.
"There is some indication it may have been accidental," he said but declined to elaborate because of the ongoing investigation.
The five tenants from two families, who were home when the fire erupted in the rear of the home on Friday shortly after midnight, managed to make it out safely. The local Red Cross chapter is assisting some of the people while others are staying with relatives in the neighborhood.
Their building sustained so much damage that it will have to be demolished, possibly as early as Friday, said Della Rocco.
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