Roof Collapses During Fire at Schenectady Cement Plant

No injuries reported as firefighters battle blaze at Cranesville Block facility.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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A fire broke out at the Cranesville Block cement processing plant in Schenectady, New York on Thursday night, leading to the collapse of the roof on the third floor of the building. Multiple fire departments responded to the fully involved blaze, and were able to bring the fire under control around 11:30 p.m. Fortunately, no firefighters or civilians were injured during the incident.

Why it matters

Structural fires at industrial facilities like cement plants can pose significant risks to public safety and the environment, making a swift and effective emergency response critical. The collapse of the roof during this incident highlights the dangers that firefighters face when battling blazes at large commercial properties.

The details

According to Beukendaal Fire Department Chief Shane Cramer, crews were dispatched to the Cranesville Block plant on Vley Road just before 10 p.m. on Thursday. When firefighters arrived, they found the building fully engulfed in flames, with fire coming through the roof. As they worked to extinguish the blaze, the roof on the third floor suddenly collapsed, though no injuries were reported. The fire was brought under control around 11:30 p.m., and the cause remains under investigation.

  • Firefighters were dispatched to the scene just before 10 p.m. on Thursday, March 6, 2026.
  • The roof on the third floor collapsed as crews were battling the fire.
  • The blaze was brought under control around 11:30 p.m. the same night.

The players

Cranesville Block

A cement processing plant located in Schenectady, New York.

Shane Cramer

The fire chief of the Beukendaal Fire Department, which responded to the incident.

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What they’re saying

“Fortunately, no firefighters or civilians were injured during the collapse or fire.”

— Shane Cramer, Fire Chief, Beukendaal Fire Department (news10.com)

What’s next

The cause of the fire at the Cranesville Block cement plant remains under investigation by local authorities.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the risks that firefighters face when responding to blazes at large industrial facilities, where the potential for structural collapse and other hazards is heightened. The swift and coordinated response by multiple fire departments likely prevented further damage and loss of life.