Three schools in the Lansingburgh Central School District are closing early today due to a fire in the area.
Rensselaer Park Elementary, Knickerbacker Middle School and Lansingburgh High School will be dismissing students early because of smoke from a nearby structure fire and the loss of power at all three schools. Turnpike Elementary will remain open and dismiss students at the normal time. Parents are asked not to come to the schools to pick up students. The district says all students are safe and there is no cause for alarm.
The fire is centered at the Alpha Lanes bowling alley at 326 5th Avenue, and some nearby homes have been evacuated.
Two firefighters had to be rescued today as they battled the three-alarm fire in Troy’s Lansingburgh neighborhood. Troy Fire Chief Eric McMahon, speaking on NewsChannel 13, said no was one believed to be injured during the fire at the Alpha Lanes bowling alley.
"We did send a crew in to reorient them, to bring them out of the building" McMahon said. "There was an active search for two firefighters that were in the building."
Chief McMahon says the fire did not spread to the adjoining furniture and hardware stores. A demolition company has been called to assist with removing what remains of the building. The cause of the fire is being investigated.