Five Dead, Including Three Children, in Albany House Fire, Police Say

I still can’t get the image out of my mind—fire engulfing a two-story home on Twiller Street in Albany, flames shooting out of the first-floor window, and the chaos of over 40 firefighters trying to save lives. It was Monday morning when this tragedy unfolded, and five people, including three children, lost their lives.

When fire crews arrived just before 10:45 a.m., the house was already fully consumed by flames. Two children, ages 3 and 4, and a 52-year-old man were rushed to Albany Medical Center, but sadly, they didn’t make it. Two others—a 6-year-old child and a 47-year-old man—were trapped inside and pronounced dead at the scene. You can imagine the horror first responders faced, trying to reach them but being blocked by the intensity of the fire.

Police and fire officials have been tight-lipped about the victims’ identities out of respect for their families. But through social media, some family members confirmed the identities: Erick DeCamp, 52, and his children Joanie, 3, Leroy, 4, and Annie, 6. The other adult’s identity hasn’t been publicly released yet.

Police Chief Brendan Cox described it as a “very sad and tragic day,” and Fire Chief Joseph Gregory noted that the fire also damaged neighboring homes at 21 and 25 Twiller Street. Even as we read about the destruction, it’s hard not to think about the families, the neighbors, and the sense of normalcy that was shattered in an instant.

Remembering the Victims

Reading about the people we lost makes it hit even harder. According to Times Union, the victims included Erick DeCamp, 52, and his three children: Joanie, 3, Leroy, 4, and Annie, 6. The fifth person, a 47-year-old man, hasn’t been publicly identified yet.

I find myself imagining their morning, the routines they followed, and how suddenly everything changed. Times Union notes that two children and Erick were transported to Albany Medical Center but didn’t survive, while the 6-year-old and 47-year-old man were trapped in the home.

You can’t help but feel the weight of such a loss—not just for the family, but for everyone who knew them. Sharing these names isn’t just reporting facts; it’s about honoring the people behind the tragedy, the lives that mattered, and the community left to grieve.

Practical takeaway: Take a moment to check in with your own neighbors and family members. Life is unpredictable, and awareness of each other’s routines can make a difference in emergencies.

Neighbors and Community Reactions

Neighbors have been deeply affected. News10 reports that residents on Twiller Street described the family at 23 Twiller Street as “good neighbors who largely kept to themselves,” yet always willing to lend a hand. Two teenage boys who lived in the house often helped neighbors with yard work or shoveling snow.

Patty Prusinski, a resident for 60 years, told reporters about the children shoveling her driveway. Charles Taylor, who lives across the street, shared that several generations lived in the home, and one resident used a wheelchair.

I can only imagine the shock and grief as neighbors watched the flames engulf a home they knew so well. It’s a stark reminder of how fragile life can be and how communities rally together in tragedy.

Practical takeaway: Community bonds aren’t just sentimental—they can save lives and offer emotional support when disaster strikes. Look out for the people around you.

Investigation Status and Official Updates

Authorities are still piecing together what happened, similar to past investigations like the Ohio home explosion where the cause was initially unclear. Police Chief Brendan Cox has emphasized that the investigation is in its early stages. As someone following this story, it’s important to separate speculation from facts.

Fire Chief Joseph Gregory confirmed that neighboring homes were damaged, showing how quickly fire can spread even in familiar neighborhoods. Officials are working to determine the exact cause, but for now, safety and respect for the families are the priority.

Practical takeaway: Use this as a reminder to review fire safety measures in your own home. Early detection, working smoke alarms, and clear exits save lives.

Fire Safety Lessons We Can Learn

Tragedies like this leave us thinking: “Could this happen to me?” The reality is, fire doesn’t discriminate. But we can take steps to reduce risk.

• Install and test smoke detectors regularly.
• Keep emergency exits clear and accessible.
• Have a fire extinguisher on each floor.
• Educate children on fire safety and emergency drills.

Even something as simple as checking batteries or reviewing escape routes can make a life-saving difference, as shown in past incidents like the Washington County apartment fire where families were displaced but early detection helped minimize casualties.

For real-time alerts on emergencies, fire safety tips, and safety updates in your area, many people follow dedicated WhatsApp channels that share verified information—these can be a handy way to stay informed instantly.

Practical takeaway: Fire safety isn’t optional. Take a small action today—you never know when it could matter.

How to Support Affected Families and Community?

If you want to help, there are tangible ways to support the families and neighbors impacted by the fire:

• Look for verified donation drives or GoFundMe campaigns.
• Volunteer for local organizations helping families affected by disasters.
• Offer support to neighbors, even small gestures like checking in or helping with chores. Similar to how communities responded after the Newark home fire left a family displaced.

When tragedy strikes, even small acts of kindness remind people that they aren’t alone.

Have you ever helped a neighbor or community in times of emergency? Share your experience in the comments below—I’d love to hear how small acts can make a difference.

Practical takeaway: Support doesn’t have to be grand; showing up for others matters. You can make a difference in your community right now.

Lessons from the Albany Fire for Broader Communities

Reading about the Twiller Street fire, I can’t help but think about how many homes could face similar risks. Multi-generational households, homes with small children, or residents with limited mobility are especially vulnerable.

Fire spreads quickly, and even a strong neighborhood can’t stop it alone. That’s why it’s crucial to have working smoke detectors, clear escape routes, and fire safety routines. You might not think about it until it’s too late—but these small steps can save lives.

Think about your own home. Have you walked through an emergency exit drill lately? Do you know how to alert neighbors if something happens? Simple planning can prevent panic and make a critical difference.

Practical takeaway: Treat this tragedy as a wake-up call. Fireproof your routines, check equipment, and educate everyone in your household.

Conclusion

I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about this fire, the lives lost, and the families who will never be the same. It’s hard not to feel powerless, but there’s something we can do: learn, prepare, and support.

Reach out to neighbors. Check your smoke detectors. Talk to your kids about emergency plans. And if you feel moved to help, support verified fundraisers or volunteer in your community.

Tragedies like this remind us how fragile life is, but they also highlight the strength of communities coming together. Take a moment today to act—small steps can make a big difference tomorrow.

What’s one fire safety step you haven’t done yet? Take a moment to do it today—and share it with someone you care about.

If you want to read more stories about home safety and community incidents, visit our Home Incidents category for verified updates and practical tips.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on verified news sources and official statements. It is intended for informational purposes only and should not replace professional advice. The publisher is not responsible for any actions taken based on this content.