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A fire on Thursday (April 2) afternoon in Schenectady left two people injured and six displaced. The Schenectady Fire Department responded to a call at 1668 Foster Avenue at 2:41 p.m., reporting smoke and flames emanating from the basement. Upon arrival, crews found smoke at the rear of the structure and quickly tackled the basement fire. The fire extended slightly to a first-floor bathroom, causing minor damage.
One injured individual was treated and released, while the other suffered burns to his head, hands, face, midsection, and knees and was taken to Albany Medical Center. No firefighters were injured during the incident. The Red Cross is assisting a family of five who were displaced by the fire.
According to CBS6 Albany, the Schenectady Fire Department's investigation revealed that the fire was accidental. It started when a male used 10 gallons of a highly volatile chemical solvent in the basement without proper ventilation, which ignited upon contact with a source of ignition. The force of the ignition displaced a first-floor toilet from its mount.
Fire Chief George Burns confirmed that work was being conducted in the basement when the fire erupted. The department continues its investigation to determine the exact cause and origin of the fire.