09/19/2026
Mutual Aid HazMat Response:
Latham FD was dispatched mutual aid to the Latham Water District Mohawk View Water Treatment Plant in the Verdoy Fire District on September 18th for a Hazardous Materials incident. Engine 415 responded along with Car 28. Companies arrived to find a Sodium Hypochlorite leak which was mixing with another product that was being applied at the facility by contractors. 415’s crew established and provided a water supply for the decontamination process of the Haz Mat Technicians from West Albany and the Albany Airport. This incident lasted several hours.
Almost simultaneously as the HazMat alarm was received, a fire alarm was received also in Verdoy at the Forts Ferry Elementary School. Engine 416 responded to that alarm, investigated and cleared the incident. After clearing the school call, 416 and Safety 4 responded to the Boght Fire District to a possible structure fire. This incident was a faulty burner element in an oven.
In total Latham responded to 10 calls for service on the 18th.
Another busy day for Colonie EMS.
Today, our crews responded to a hazardous materials incident alongside our public safety partners. Thankfully, the timing was almost ironic, we had just reviewed hazardous materials response during our annual fall training last week.
It’s a good reminder that in EMS, we train for situations we hope we don’t encounter, because when they do happen, our crews need to be ready.
After yesterday’s significant fire response and today’s HazMat incident, we’re proud of the professionalism, flexibility, and teamwork our members continue to demonstrate while still answering the everyday calls for help throughout our community.
Great work by everyone involved, and stay safe.
