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On Thursday (September 4), firefighters rescued an unconscious woman and her pets from a smoke-filled apartment at the Iroquois Village Apartments in Niskayuna. The incident occurred around 11:30 a.m. when firefighters responded to a fire alarm and found water flowing into the hallway from under the door of a first-floor apartment. A dog barking inside alerted them to the presence of occupants.
Upon forcing entry, firefighters discovered the apartment filled with smoke and used a thermal imaging camera to locate the woman, who was slumped over a counter on a bar stool. After being carried outside, she regained consciousness and declined hospital treatment, stating she was doing well. The fire department reported that the fire originated on a sectional couch and was contained by a sprinkler system. A hose line was used to fully extinguish the fire.
The woman’s dog and two rabbits were also safely removed from the apartment, all unharmed. Due to smoke and water damage, the apartment is currently uninhabitable. The Red Cross is assisting the woman with temporary lodging. The cause of the fire is under investigation by Schenectady County Fire Investigators, but it is not believed to be intentional. The Niskayuna Fire Department was supported by local police and fire departments in managing the incident.