The back of the fourplex at Fourth and Ferry on Tuesday. This is the area where the fire started Monday night.
The Albany Fire Department today confirmed that fireworks played a role in the fire that nearly destroyed the fourplex at the corner of Fourth Avenue and Ferry Street in downtown Albany on the evening of the Fourth of July.
I had understood that this was the case on Tuesday, as I reported that day.
Today I heard from Deputy Fire Chief Chris LaBelle.
“Here is what I received from our investigators,” LaBelle said in an email. “The fire started in a lower-level back patio area and was determined to be the result of improper disposal of used fireworks.”
He also wrote: “The fourplex sustained significant fire and smoke damage throughout all units and is uninhabitable. No one was injured in the fire, and the Red Cross has stepped in to assist the tenants with resource assistance.”
The two-story building with four apartments dates from about 1945, according to city and county records. As I reported yesterday, the owners, Richard and Liisa Reid, intend to rebuild it. (hh)
I always enjoyed this apartment structure from the 40’s. I am glad the owners will be able to salvage it. It appears the complex of 4 apartments has a larger living space and is well built, as opposed to some of the new apartments being built today.