Fire in Claverack leaves two homeless

By Melanie Lekocevic

Capital Region Independent Media

COEYMANS — A major fire is currently blazing at the marina in the Coeymans hamlet, Town Supervisor George McHugh confirmed Thursday at noon.

The fire broke out at Coeymans Landing Marina Services. The cause of the fire is still unknown, McHugh said.

One injury has been reported as of noon Thursday. An unidentified employee of the marina was transported by LifeNet helicopter to the Syracuse Burn Center, McHugh said.

“There was an injury — one of the employees has some very severe burns all over his body,” he said.

Firefighters are still working on the flames and it appears they have the fire under control as of noon, McHugh said.

“They are still working on it but it looks like it is under control,” the town supervisor said.

Officials are asking individuals who live or work in the area to use caution.

“We are asking people to close their windows and evacuate if they can,” McHugh said.

There was no official evacuation order as of noon Thursday.

While the fire appears to have been brought under control, there is still concern over highly flammable materials stored at the marina, McHugh said.

“There are a lot of waste oil barrels and three boats there that are on fire, so that is the issue right now — trying to contain the fire,” McHugh said. “It looks like they have it pretty well contained and under control because I don’t see any smoke right now.”

Officials are urging people to avoid the area until the fire is completely out. First responders went door to door asking people to take precautions like closing windows and doors and remaining indoors.

“Please stay away from that area until further notice until we get it under control completely,” McHugh said. “The firemen and emergency first responders are doing a great job of controlling the situation, but they don’t need any distractions.”

Fire companies responding to the scene include Coeymans, Coeymans Hollow, New Baltimore and Selkirk. The Albany County Sheriff’s Office, state police and Coeymans Police also responded.