It was just before 10 p.m. with temperatures at a frigid 17 degrees when the tones begin sounding in Schenectady fire stations on Christmas Eve. It was for a reported structure fire at 33 Moyston Street in the Vale neighborhood and Engine 1, Engine 2, Truck 1, Rescue 1 and Deputy Chief Car 22 responded.
After receiving multiple phone calls, a second alarm was sounded bringing the remainder of Schenectady's apparatus, Engine 3, Engine 4 and Truck 2 to the scene.
Water pressure and supply became an immediate issue on the dead end street with a four-inch water main.
A third alarm was then toned out bringing mutual aid companies to the scene and to cover Schenectady's empty stations.
Two occupants escaped the flames, one by jumping from a second floor window. Both were taken by ambulance to area hospitals.
A call back for several crews was also ordered. In less than an hour, flames completely consumed 33 Moyston Street, then spread to 31 on the B side, and 35 on the D side.
The fire was finally brought under control in the very early hours of Christmas morning.
The fire displaced 13 occupants of all three houses. The cause is under investigation.
