Potsdam Fire was alerted by an automatic dialer to respond to the Clarkson University at approximately 6:40 PM on Tuesday, March 28th for a fire alarm activation at Riverside Apartments.

Engine 49 responded immediately being chauffeured by Potsdam Fire Driver Robert Pierce. Approaching the scene, Fire Driver Pierce saw the large volume of smoke coming from the building, requested a second alarm, and laid in from a hydrant on Clarkson Avenue. Engine 49 pulled on scene to find fire coming from the rear of the structure at Riverside Apartment #3. A working fire was transmitted and mutual aid was requested from West Potsdam Fire, Hannawa Falls Fire, and West Stockholm Fire for manpower and SCBA personnel to the scene.

Potsdam firefighters went to work quickly to suppress the fire that was now coming out of both the front and rear doors and windows of Riverside Apartment #3. A crew entered the apartment and suppressed the fire on the first floor before making their way to the second floor. Once on the second floor crews had a hard time battling back the heat and flames. The decision was made by the incident commander to activate the emergency evacuation signal to alert the interior crew to exit the building immediately due to deteriorating conditions. A ventilation crew was established and sent to the roof but was called back when the roof self-ventilated. A master stream was deployed from Tower 5 to knock down the bulk of the fire from above so that firefighters could enter the structure once again to finish suppressing the fire on the second floor and in the attic area. Tower 5, operated by J. Corbett, was supplied by Engine 48 and Engine 80 after a lengthy lay of large diameter hose.

Salvage operations began simultaneously with suppression to prevent unnecessary damage to the adjoining apartments. Minor water and heat damage was sustained on the second floor of the adjoining three apartments. Riverside Apartment #3 was a total loss and 13 students were displaced due to the fire.

Potsdam Rescue established a rehab area to ensure the victims of the fire were unharmed, and that firefighters were well hydrated and vitals were obtained. One firefighter did sustain a small cut to a finger.

Norwood Fire was placed on standby at the Potsdam Fire Station.

The fire is still under investigation by the St. Lawrence County Fire Investigation Team. A representative from the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control Inspection and Investigation Branch was also on scene to assist with the investigation.

The members of the Potsdam Fire Department would like to extend our thanks to the Clarkson University Security Department for making sure all occupants where out of the building and for their quick actions on securing the perimeter, helping with crowd control, and directing traffic. Also to the University maintenance department, for having a quick response time and assisting with any needs or questions the fire department had about the building.