On Wednesday October 13, 2004 at 01:07am, the Fuller Road Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire at US Beauty Supply at 1234 Central Avenue in Colonie, New York.
Upon arrival, the Chief of Department Michael Romano Jr. found a heavy smoke condition with no visible fire coming from the one-story commercial building.
First arriving companies were assigned to the rear of the building. Assistant Chiefs Kevin Terry and Larry Allen performed a primary search of an attached apartment in the rear. They then worked with a rescue company from Fuller Road and an engine company from the Colonie Fire Company on forcing entry to the rear of the building.
As two 1 3/4 inch lines were being advanced to the rear of the building, the fire vented out a rear window as well as a rear door.
As the companies were entering the building, a series of explosions occurred in the front of the building. This caused Chief Romano to order the evacuation of the building.
Several hundred aerosol cans had exploded and acted as projectiles striking one firefighter in the face. Flying cans also caused damage to the arriving ladder company.
A second alarm was transmitted.
An exterior attack was set up and exposure protection was put into place.
The business was a wholesale supplier of beauty products which contained a large quantity of acetone.
The fire was brought under control at 05:00 am.
The injured firefighter was treated for facial lacerations and released.
Engine companies responded from Fuller Road, Village of Colonie, and West Albany. Truck companies from Fuller Road and Shaker Road-Loudonville. Rescue companies from Fuller Road, Village of Colonie, and Shaker Road-Loudonville.
The fire is under investigation at this time by Colonie Fire Prevention and Investigation, Colonie Police Department, Albany County District Attorney
