https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/Man-who-accidentally-started-massive-Cohoes-fire-13024236.php
Man who accidentally started massive Cohoes fire to be sentenced
Published 6:00 am, Tuesday, June 26, 2018
Firefighters from around the region work to control a multi-structure fire on Remsen Street on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union)
Firefighters from around the region work to control a multi-structure fire on Remsen Street on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union)
Photo: Lori Van Buren
Firefighters from around the region work their best to knock down a multi-alarm fire consumes a number of building on Remsen Street Thursday Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, NY. (Skip Dickstein/ Times Union)
Firefighters from around the region work their best to knock down a multi-alarm fire consumes a number of building on Remsen Street Thursday Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, NY. (Skip Dickstein/ Times Union)
Photo: SKIP DICKSTEIN, Albany Times Union
Firefighters from around the region work their best to knock down a multi-alarm fire consumes a number of building on Remsen Street Thursday Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, NY. (Skip Dickstein/ Times Union)
Firefighters from around the region work their best to knock down a multi-alarm fire consumes a number of building on Remsen Street Thursday Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, NY. (Skip Dickstein/ Times Union)
Photo: SKIP DICKSTEIN, Albany Times Union
Firefighters from around the region work their best to knock down a multi-alarm fire consumes a number of building on Remsen Street Thursday Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, NY. (Skip Dickstein/ Times Union)
Firefighters from around the region work their best to knock down a multi-alarm fire consumes a number of building on Remsen Street Thursday Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, NY. (Skip Dickstein/ Times Union)
Photo: SKIP DICKSTEIN, Albany Times Union
Firefighters from around the region work their best to knock down a multi-alarm fire consumes a number of building on Remsen Street Thursday Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, NY. (Skip Dickstein/ Times Union)
Firefighters from around the region work their best to knock down a multi-alarm fire consumes a number of building on Remsen Street Thursday Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, NY. (Skip Dickstein/ Times Union)
Photo: SKIP DICKSTEIN, Albany Times Union
Joe Hostig, owner of Smith's Restaurant surveys the damage to his business after a multi-alarm fire consumed three buildings and damaged at least 17 others last night on Remsen and surrounding streets Friday Dec 1, 2017 in Cohoes, NY. (Skip Dickstein/ Times Union) less
Joe Hostig, owner of Smith's Restaurant surveys the damage to his business after a multi-alarm fire consumed three buildings and damaged at least 17 others last night on Remsen and surrounding streets Friday ... more
Photo: SKIP DICKSTEIN, Albany Times Union
Workers work to save useable items from the interior of Smith's Restaurant after a multi-alarm fire consumed three buildings and damaged at least 17 others last night on Remsen and surrounding streets Friday Dec 1, 2017 in Cohoes, NY. (Skip Dickstein/ Times Union) less
Workers work to save useable items from the interior of Smith's Restaurant after a multi-alarm fire consumed three buildings and damaged at least 17 others last night on Remsen and surrounding streets Friday ... more
Photo: SKIP DICKSTEIN, Albany Times Union
Workers remove useable furniture from Smith's Restaurant after a multi-alarm fire consumed three buildings and damaged at least 17 others last night on Remsen and surrounding streets Friday Dec 1, 2017 in Cohoes, NY. (Skip Dickstein/ Times Union) less
Workers remove useable furniture from Smith's Restaurant after a multi-alarm fire consumed three buildings and damaged at least 17 others last night on Remsen and surrounding streets Friday Dec 1, 2017 in ... more
Photo: SKIP DICKSTEIN, Albany Times Union
Joe Hostig, owner of Smith's Restaurant surveys the damage to his business after a multi-alarm fire consumed three buildings and damaged at least 17 others last night on Remsen and surrounding streets Friday Dec 1, 2017 in Cohoes, NY. (Skip Dickstein/ Times Union) less
Joe Hostig, owner of Smith's Restaurant surveys the damage to his business after a multi-alarm fire consumed three buildings and damaged at least 17 others last night on Remsen and surrounding streets Friday ... more
Photo: SKIP DICKSTEIN, Albany Times Union
The bar area at Smith's of Cohoes is covered in plastic as walls are repainted.
The bar area at Smith's of Cohoes is covered in plastic as walls are repainted.
Fire damaged buildings are boarded up Remsen St. across from a melted fiberglass lamppost on Friday, Dec. 15, 2017, in Cohoes, N.Y. (Will Waldron/Times Union)
Fire damaged buildings are boarded up Remsen St. across from a melted fiberglass lamppost on Friday, Dec. 15, 2017, in Cohoes, N.Y. (Will Waldron/Times Union)
Photo: Will Waldron
Tom Dickinson pulls a Cohoes Strong T-shirt from the screen printer on Friday, Dec. 15, 2017, at Awards By Walsh's & Creative Marketing in Cohoes, N.Y. The shirts are being donated to raise money for victims of Cohoes Fire sponsored by Cohoes Bowling Arena & Awards by Walsh. (Will Waldron/Times Union) less
Tom Dickinson pulls a Cohoes Strong T-shirt from the screen printer on Friday, Dec. 15, 2017, at Awards By Walsh's & Creative Marketing in Cohoes, N.Y. The shirts are being donated to raise money for ... more
Photo: Will Waldron
Cohoes Strong T-shirts are screen printed at Awards By Walsh's & Creative Marketing on Friday, Dec. 15, 2017, in Cohoes, N.Y. The shirts are being donated to raise money for victims of Cohoes Fire sponsored by Cohoes Bowling Arena & Awards by Walsh. (Will Waldron/Times Union) less
Cohoes Strong T-shirts are screen printed at Awards By Walsh's & Creative Marketing on Friday, Dec. 15, 2017, in Cohoes, N.Y. The shirts are being donated to raise money for victims of Cohoes Fire sponsored ... more
Photo: Will Waldron
Fire damaged buildings are boarded up on Remsen St. across from the remains of 228 Remsen, where a massive fire began over two weeks ago on Friday, Dec. 15, 2017, in Cohoes, N.Y. (Will Waldron/Times Union)
Fire damaged buildings are boarded up on Remsen St. across from the remains of 228 Remsen, where a massive fire began over two weeks ago on Friday, Dec. 15, 2017, in Cohoes, N.Y. (Will Waldron/Times Union)
Photo: Will Waldron
Cohoes Strong T-shirts are boxed by Jordan Franzese at Awards By Walsh's & Creative Marketing after being screen printed on Friday, Dec. 15, 2017, in Cohoes, N.Y. The shirts are being donated to raise money for victims of Cohoes Fire sponsored by Cohoes Bowling Arena & Awards by Walsh. (Will Waldron/Times Union) less
Cohoes Strong T-shirts are boxed by Jordan Franzese at Awards By Walsh's & Creative Marketing after being screen printed on Friday, Dec. 15, 2017, in Cohoes, N.Y. The shirts are being donated to raise money ... more
Photo: Will Waldron
The scene of the fire looks like the remnants of a war zone the fire the morning after a multi-alarm fire consumed three buildings and damaged at least 17 others on Remsen and surrounding streets Friday Dec 1, 2017 in Cohoes, NY. (Skip Dickstein/ Times Union) less
The scene of the fire looks like the remnants of a war zone the fire the morning after a multi-alarm fire consumed three buildings and damaged at least 17 others on Remsen and surrounding streets Friday Dec 1, ... more
Photo: SKIP DICKSTEIN, Albany Times Union
Life-long resident Jack Coonradt takes a cell phone photo of buildings damaged from last week's fire along Remsen Street Tuesday Dec. 6, 2017 in Cohoes, NY. (John Carl D'Annibale / Times Union)
Life-long resident Jack Coonradt takes a cell phone photo of buildings damaged from last week's fire along Remsen Street Tuesday Dec. 6, 2017 in Cohoes, NY. (John Carl D'Annibale / Times Union)
Photo: John Carl D'Annibale, Albany Times Union
The aerial ladder truck Watervliet and Green Island share at the Thomas M. McCormack Fire Headquarters on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017 in Watervliet , N.Y. Last week's massive Cohoes fire was so intense it melted parts.(Lori Van Buren / Times Union) less
The aerial ladder truck Watervliet and Green Island share at the Thomas M. McCormack Fire Headquarters on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017 in Watervliet , N.Y. Last week's massive Cohoes fire was so intense it melted ... more
Photo: Lori Van Buren, Albany Times Union
Detail of fire and heat damage on the aerial ladder truck Watervliet and Green Island share at the Thomas M. McCormack Fire Headquarters on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017 in Watervliet , N.Y. Last week's massive Cohoes fire was so intense it melted parts.(Lori Van Buren / Times Union) less
Detail of fire and heat damage on the aerial ladder truck Watervliet and Green Island share at the Thomas M. McCormack Fire Headquarters on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017 in Watervliet , N.Y. Last week's massive Cohoes ... more
Photo: Lori Van Buren, Albany Times Union
Detail of fire and heat damage on the aerial ladder truck Watervliet and Green Island share at the Thomas M. McCormack Fire Headquarters on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017 in Watervliet , N.Y. Last week's massive Cohoes fire was so intense it melted parts.(Lori Van Buren / Times Union) less
Detail of fire and heat damage on the aerial ladder truck Watervliet and Green Island share at the Thomas M. McCormack Fire Headquarters on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017 in Watervliet , N.Y. Last week's massive Cohoes ... more
Photo: Lori Van Buren, Albany Times Union
Detail of fire and heat damage on the aerial ladder truck Watervliet and Green Island share at the Thomas M. McCormack Fire Headquarters on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017 in Watervliet , N.Y. Last week's massive Cohoes fire was so intense it melted parts.(Lori Van Buren / Times Union) less
Detail of fire and heat damage on the aerial ladder truck Watervliet and Green Island share at the Thomas M. McCormack Fire Headquarters on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017 in Watervliet , N.Y. Last week's massive Cohoes ... more
Photo: Lori Van Buren, Albany Times Union
The scene of the fire looks like the remnants of a war zone the fire the morning after a multi-alarm fire consumed three buildings and damaged at least 17 others on Remsen and surrounding streets Friday Dec 1, 2017 in Cohoes, NY. (Skip Dickstein/ Times Union) less
The scene of the fire looks like the remnants of a war zone the fire the morning after a multi-alarm fire consumed three buildings and damaged at least 17 others on Remsen and surrounding streets Friday Dec 1, ... more
Photo: SKIP DICKSTEIN, Albany Times Union
The scene of the fire looks like the remnants of a war zone the fire the morning after a multi-alarm fire consumed three buildings and damaged at least 17 others on Remsen and surrounding streets Friday Dec 1, 2017 in Cohoes, NY. (Skip Dickstein/ Times Union) less
The scene of the fire looks like the remnants of a war zone the fire the morning after a multi-alarm fire consumed three buildings and damaged at least 17 others on Remsen and surrounding streets Friday Dec 1, ... more
Photo: SKIP DICKSTEIN, Albany Times Union
Bethany Bejian, left, and Mike Ferris were displaced from 226 Remsen Street after a multi-alarm fire consumed three buildings and damaged at least 17 others last night on Remsen and surrounding streets on Friday, Dec 1, 2017, in Cohoes, N.Y. (Skip Dickstein/ Times Union)
lessBethany Bejian, left, and Mike Ferris were displaced from 226 Remsen Street after a multi-alarm fire consumed three buildings and damaged at least 17 others last night on Remsen and surrounding streets on
... more
Businesses are boarded up after sustaining fire damage after a multi-alarm fire consumed three buildings and damaged at least 17 others last night on Remsen and surrounding streets Friday Dec 1, 2017 in Cohoes, NY. (Skip Dickstein/ Times Union) less
Businesses are boarded up after sustaining fire damage after a multi-alarm fire consumed three buildings and damaged at least 17 others last night on Remsen and surrounding streets Friday Dec 1, 2017 in Cohoes, ... more
Photo: Skip Dickstein
Businesses are boarded after a multi-alarm fire consumed three buildings across the street and damaged at least 17 others last night on Remsen and surrounding streets Friday Dec 1, 2017 in Cohoes, NY. (Skip Dickstein/ Times Union) less
Businesses are boarded after a multi-alarm fire consumed three buildings across the street and damaged at least 17 others last night on Remsen and surrounding streets Friday Dec 1, 2017 in Cohoes, NY. (Skip ... more
Photo: SKIP DICKSTEIN, Albany Times Union
Photographs from a drone used by the Albany County shows the widespread destruction caused by Thursday's massive fire in downtown Cohoes. City officials say at least 27 buildings were destroyed or damaged by the blaze. (Lee Bormann / Albany County)
lessPhotographs from a drone used by the Albany County shows the widespread destruction caused by Thursday's massive fire in downtown Cohoes. City officials say at least 27 buildings were destroyed or damaged by
... morePhotographs from a drone used by the Albany County shows the widespread destruction caused by Thursday's massive fire in downtown Cohoes. City officials say at least 27 buildings were destroyed or damaged by the blaze.
lessPhotographs from a drone used by the Albany County shows the widespread destruction caused by Thursday's massive fire in downtown Cohoes. City officials say at least 27 buildings were destroyed or damaged by
... morePhotographs from a drone used by the Albany County shows the widespread destruction caused by Thursday's massive fire in downtown Cohoes. City officials say at least 27 buildings were destroyed or damaged by the blaze.
lessPhotographs from a drone used by the Albany County shows the widespread destruction caused by Thursday's massive fire in downtown Cohoes. City officials say at least 27 buildings were destroyed or damaged by
... morePhotographs from a drone used by the Albany County shows the widespread destruction caused by Thursday's massive fire in downtown Cohoes. City officials say at least 27 buildings were destroyed or damaged by the blaze.
lessPhotographs from a drone used by the Albany County shows the widespread destruction caused by Thursday's massive fire in downtown Cohoes. City officials say at least 27 buildings were destroyed or damaged by
... morePhotographs from a drone used by the Albany County shows the widespread destruction caused by Thursday's massive fire in downtown Cohoes. City officials say at least 27 buildings were destroyed or damaged by the blaze.
lessPhotographs from a drone used by the Albany County shows the widespread destruction caused by Thursday's massive fire in downtown Cohoes. City officials say at least 27 buildings were destroyed or damaged by
... morePhotographs from a drone used by the Albany County shows the widespread destruction caused by Thursday's massive fire in downtown Cohoes. City officials say at least 27 buildings were destroyed or damaged by the blaze.
lessPhotographs from a drone used by the Albany County shows the widespread destruction caused by Thursday's massive fire in downtown Cohoes. City officials say at least 27 buildings were destroyed or damaged by
... morePhotographs from a drone used by the Albany County shows the widespread destruction caused by Thursday's massive fire in downtown Cohoes. City officials say at least 27 buildings were destroyed or damaged by the blaze.
lessPhotographs from a drone used by the Albany County shows the widespread destruction caused by Thursday's massive fire in downtown Cohoes. City officials say at least 27 buildings were destroyed or damaged by
... morePhotographs from a drone used by the Albany County shows the widespread destruction caused by Thursday's massive fire in downtown Cohoes. City officials say at least 27 buildings were destroyed or damaged by the blaze.
lessPhotographs from a drone used by the Albany County shows the widespread destruction caused by Thursday's massive fire in downtown Cohoes. City officials say at least 27 buildings were destroyed or damaged by
... morePhotographs from a drone used by the Albany County shows the widespread destruction caused by Thursday's massive fire in downtown Cohoes. City officials say at least 27 buildings were destroyed or damaged by the blaze.
lessPhotographs from a drone used by the Albany County shows the widespread destruction caused by Thursday's massive fire in downtown Cohoes. City officials say at least 27 buildings were destroyed or damaged by
... more
Judge Thomas Marcelle arraigns John Gomes, 51, left, in Cohoes City Court for being a suspect in a multi-structure fire on Remsen Street on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, N.Y. The charges are arson in the 4th and reckless endangerment in the 1st.( Lori Van Buren / Times Union) less
Judge Thomas Marcelle arraigns John Gomes, 51, left, in Cohoes City Court for being a suspect in a multi-structure fire on Remsen Street on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, N.Y. The charges are arson in the ... more
Photo: Lori Van Buren
Firefighters from around the region work to control a multi-structure fire on Remsen Street on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union)
Firefighters from around the region work to control a multi-structure fire on Remsen Street on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union)
Photo: 20042290A
Firefighters from around the region work to control a multi-structure fire on Remsen Street on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union)
Firefighters from around the region work to control a multi-structure fire on Remsen Street on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union)
Photo: Lori Van Buren, Albany Times Union
Cohoes firefighters on Friday continued to pour water on building still smoldering from the windswept fire that destroyed or damaged more than a dozen buildings around downtown on Thursday.
Cohoes firefighters on Friday continued to pour water on building still smoldering from the windswept fire that destroyed or damaged more than a dozen buildings around downtown on Thursday.
John Gomes, 51, is arraigned in Cohoes City Court for being a suspect in a multi-structure fire on Remsen Street on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, N.Y. The charges are arson in the 4th and reckless endangerment in the 1st.(Lori Van Buren / Times Union) less
John Gomes, 51, is arraigned in Cohoes City Court for being a suspect in a multi-structure fire on Remsen Street on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, N.Y. The charges are arson in the 4th and reckless ... more
Photo: Lori Van Buren
Cohoes firefighters on Friday continued to pour water on building still smoldering from the windswept fire that destroyed or damaged more than a dozen buildings around downtown on Thursday.
Cohoes firefighters on Friday continued to pour water on building still smoldering from the windswept fire that destroyed or damaged more than a dozen buildings around downtown on Thursday.
Cohoes firefighters on Friday continued to pour water on building still smoldering from the windswept fire that destroyed or damaged more than a dozen buildings around downtown on Thursday.
Cohoes firefighters on Friday continued to pour water on building still smoldering from the windswept fire that destroyed or damaged more than a dozen buildings around downtown on Thursday.
Cohoes firefighters on Friday continued to pour water on building still smoldering from the windswept fire that destroyed or damaged more than a dozen buildings around downtown on Thursday.
Cohoes firefighters on Friday continued to pour water on building still smoldering from the windswept fire that destroyed or damaged more than a dozen buildings around downtown on Thursday.
Firefighters continued to pour water Friday on smoldering parts of the fire that spread to more than a dozen buildings in Cohoes on Thursday. Wind-whipped embers sent flames flying around downtown Cohoes, starting fires in a number of buildings.
lessFirefighters continued to pour water Friday on smoldering parts of the fire that spread to more than a dozen buildings in Cohoes on Thursday. Wind-whipped embers sent flames flying around downtown Cohoes,
... more
Firefighters from around the region work their best to knock down a multi-alarm fire consumes a number of building on Remsen Street Thursday Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, NY. (Skip Dickstein/ Times Union)
Firefighters from around the region work their best to knock down a multi-alarm fire consumes a number of building on Remsen Street Thursday Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, NY. (Skip Dickstein/ Times Union)
Photo: Skip Dickstein
A woman is in tears as firefighters from around the region work their best to knock down a multi-alarm fire consumes a number of building on Remsen Street Thursday Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, NY. (Skip Dickstein/ Times Union) less
A woman is in tears as firefighters from around the region work their best to knock down a multi-alarm fire consumes a number of building on Remsen Street Thursday Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, NY. (Skip Dickstein/ ... more
People bring their pet dogs to safety as firefighters from around the region work to control a multi-structure fire on Remsen Street on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union)
People bring their pet dogs to safety as firefighters from around the region work to control a multi-structure fire on Remsen Street on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union)
Photo: Lori Van Buren
A woman is comforted by a bystander as firefighters from around the region work their best to knock down a multi-alarm fire consumes a number of building on Remsen Street Thursday Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, NY. (Skip Dickstein/ Times Union) less
A woman is comforted by a bystander as firefighters from around the region work their best to knock down a multi-alarm fire consumes a number of building on Remsen Street Thursday Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, NY. ... more
Photo: SKIP DICKSTEIN
Firefighters from around the region work their best to knock down a multi-alarm fire consumes a number of building on Remsen Street Thursday Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, NY. (Skip Dickstein/ Times Union)
Firefighters from around the region work their best to knock down a multi-alarm fire consumes a number of building on Remsen Street Thursday Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, NY. (Skip Dickstein/ Times Union)
Photo: SKIP DICKSTEIN
Firefighters from around the region work to control a multi-structure fire on Remsen Street on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union)
Firefighters from around the region work to control a multi-structure fire on Remsen Street on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union)
Photo: Lori Van Buren
Firefighters wet down rubble and hot spots the morning after a multi-alarm fire consumed three buildings and damaged at least 17 others on Remsen and surrounding streets Friday Dec 1, 2017 in Cohoes, NY. (Skip Dickstein/ Times Union) less
Firefighters wet down rubble and hot spots the morning after a multi-alarm fire consumed three buildings and damaged at least 17 others on Remsen and surrounding streets Friday Dec 1, 2017 in Cohoes, NY. (Skip ... more
Photo: SKIP DICKSTEIN, Albany Times Union
Cohoes Public Works workers start cleaning up the street the morning after a multi-alarm fire consumed three buildings and damaged at least 17 others on Remsen and surrounding streets Friday Dec 1, 2017 in Cohoes, NY. (Skip Dickstein/ Times Union) less
Cohoes Public Works workers start cleaning up the street the morning after a multi-alarm fire consumed three buildings and damaged at least 17 others on Remsen and surrounding streets Friday Dec 1, 2017 in ... more
Photo: SKIP DICKSTEIN, Albany Times Union
Firefighters wet down rubble and hot spots the morning after a multi-alarm fire consumed three buildings and damaged at least 17 others on Remsen and surrounding streets Friday Dec 1, 2017 in Cohoes, NY. (Skip Dickstein/ Times Union) less
Firefighters wet down rubble and hot spots the morning after a multi-alarm fire consumed three buildings and damaged at least 17 others on Remsen and surrounding streets Friday Dec 1, 2017 in Cohoes, NY. (Skip ... more
Photo: SKIP DICKSTEIN, Albany Times Union
Firefighters wet down rubble and hot spots the morning after a multi-alarm fire consumed three buildings and damaged at least 17 others on Remsen and surrounding streets Friday Dec 1, 2017 in Cohoes, NY. (Skip Dickstein/ Times Union) less
Firefighters wet down rubble and hot spots the morning after a multi-alarm fire consumed three buildings and damaged at least 17 others on Remsen and surrounding streets Friday Dec 1, 2017 in Cohoes, NY. (Skip ... more
Photo: SKIP DICKSTEIN, Albany Times Union
Cohoes Public Works workers start cleaning up the street the morning after a multi-alarm fire consumed three buildings and damaged at least 17 others on Remsen and surrounding streets Friday Dec 1, 2017 in Cohoes, NY. (Skip Dickstein/ Times Union) less
Cohoes Public Works workers start cleaning up the street the morning after a multi-alarm fire consumed three buildings and damaged at least 17 others on Remsen and surrounding streets Friday Dec 1, 2017 in ... more
Photo: SKIP DICKSTEIN, Albany Times Union
State Fire investigators look for clues as to the cause of the fire the morning after a multi-alarm fire consumed three buildings and damaged at least 17 others on Remsen and surrounding streets Friday Dec 1, 2017 in Cohoes, NY. (Skip Dickstein/ Times Union) less
State Fire investigators look for clues as to the cause of the fire the morning after a multi-alarm fire consumed three buildings and damaged at least 17 others on Remsen and surrounding streets Friday Dec 1, ... more
Photo: SKIP DICKSTEIN, Albany Times Union
State Fire investigators look for clues as to the cause of the fire the morning after a multi-alarm fire consumed three buildings and damaged at least 17 others on Remsen and surrounding streets Friday Dec 1, 2017 in Cohoes, NY. (Skip Dickstein/ Times Union) less
State Fire investigators look for clues as to the cause of the fire the morning after a multi-alarm fire consumed three buildings and damaged at least 17 others on Remsen and surrounding streets Friday Dec 1, ... more
Photo: SKIP DICKSTEIN, Albany Times Union
State Fire investigators look for clues as to the cause of the fire the morning after a multi-alarm fire consumed three buildings and damaged at least 17 others on Remsen and surrounding streets Friday Dec 1, 2017 in Cohoes, NY. (Skip Dickstein/ Times Union) less
State Fire investigators look for clues as to the cause of the fire the morning after a multi-alarm fire consumed three buildings and damaged at least 17 others on Remsen and surrounding streets Friday Dec 1, ... more
Photo: SKIP DICKSTEIN, Albany Times Union
A neighbor looks from her door at clean-up workers the morning after a multi-alarm fire consumed three buildings and damaged at least 17 others on Remsen and surrounding streets Friday Dec 1, 2017 in Cohoes, NY. (Skip Dickstein/ Times Union) less
A neighbor looks from her door at clean-up workers the morning after a multi-alarm fire consumed three buildings and damaged at least 17 others on Remsen and surrounding streets Friday Dec 1, 2017 in Cohoes, ... more
Photo: SKIP DICKSTEIN, Albany Times Union
As seen from across the Hudson River in Troy, flames consume several buildings on Remsen Street in Cohoes on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017. (Nelson Ronsvalle/Special to the Times Union)
As seen from across the Hudson River in Troy, flames consume several buildings on Remsen Street in Cohoes on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017. (Nelson Ronsvalle/Special to the Times Union)
Flames consume several buildings on Remsen Street in Cohoes on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017. (Skip Dickstein/Times Union)
Flames consume several buildings on Remsen Street in Cohoes on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017. (Skip Dickstein/Times Union)
Flames consume several buildings on Remsen Street in Cohoes on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017. (Skip Dickstein/Times Union)
Flames consume several buildings on Remsen Street in Cohoes on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017. (Skip Dickstein/Times Union)
Heavy flames pour from two burning buildings on Remsen Street in Cohoes, N.Y., on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017. (Skip Dickstein/Times Union)
Heavy flames pour from two burning buildings on Remsen Street in Cohoes, N.Y., on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017. (Skip Dickstein/Times Union)
Heavy flames pour from two burning buildings on Remsen Street in Cohoes, N.Y., on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017. (Skip Dickstein/Times Union)
Heavy flames pour from two burning buildings on Remsen Street in Cohoes, N.Y., on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017. (Skip Dickstein/Times Union)
Fire consumes a building on Remsen Street in Cohoes on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017.
Fire consumes a building on Remsen Street in Cohoes on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017.
Fire consumes a building on Remsen Street in Cohoes on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017.
Fire consumes a building on Remsen Street in Cohoes on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017.
Fire consumes a building on Remsen Street in Cohoes on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017.
Fire consumes a building on Remsen Street in Cohoes on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017.
Firefighters from around the region work their best to knock down a multi-alarm fire consumes a number of building on Remsen Street Thursday Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, NY. (Skip Dickstein/ Times Union)
Firefighters from around the region work their best to knock down a multi-alarm fire consumes a number of building on Remsen Street Thursday Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, NY. (Skip Dickstein/ Times Union)
Photo: SKIP DICKSTEIN, Albany Times Union
Firefighters from around the region work their best to knock down a multi-alarm fire consumes a number of building on Remsen Street Thursday Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, NY. (Skip Dickstein/ Times Union)
Firefighters from around the region work their best to knock down a multi-alarm fire consumes a number of building on Remsen Street Thursday Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, NY. (Skip Dickstein/ Times Union)
Photo: SKIP DICKSTEIN, Albany Times Union
A stricken firefighter is assisted by Mohawk Ambulance attendants as firefighters from around the region work their best to knock down a multi-alarm fire consumes a number of building on Remsen Street Thursday Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, NY. (Skip Dickstein/ Times Union) less
A stricken firefighter is assisted by Mohawk Ambulance attendants as firefighters from around the region work their best to knock down a multi-alarm fire consumes a number of building on Remsen Street Thursday ... more
Photo: SKIP DICKSTEIN, Albany Times Union
Firefighters from around the region work their best to knock down a multi-alarm fire consumes a number of building on Remsen Street Thursday Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, NY. (Skip Dickstein/ Times Union)
Firefighters from around the region work their best to knock down a multi-alarm fire consumes a number of building on Remsen Street Thursday Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, NY. (Skip Dickstein/ Times Union)
Photo: Skip Dickstein
A woman is in tears as firefighters from around the region work their best to knock down a multi-alarm fire consumes a number of building on Remsen Street Thursday Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, NY. (Skip Dickstein/ Times Union) less
A woman is in tears as firefighters from around the region work their best to knock down a multi-alarm fire consumes a number of building on Remsen Street Thursday Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, NY. (Skip Dickstein/ ... more
Photo: SKIP DICKSTEIN, Albany Times Union
Cohoes Mayor Shawn Morse, right helps a stricken firefighter as others from around the region work their best to knock down a multi-alarm fire consumes a number of building on Remsen Street Thursday Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, NY. (Skip Dickstein/ Times Union) less
Cohoes Mayor Shawn Morse, right helps a stricken firefighter as others from around the region work their best to knock down a multi-alarm fire consumes a number of building on Remsen Street Thursday Nov. 30, ... more
Photo: SKIP DICKSTEIN, Albany Times Union
Firefighters from around the region work their best to knock down a multi-alarm fire consumes a number of building on Remsen Street Thursday Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, NY. (Skip Dickstein/ Times Union)
Firefighters from around the region work their best to knock down a multi-alarm fire consumes a number of building on Remsen Street Thursday Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, NY. (Skip Dickstein/ Times Union)
Photo: SKIP DICKSTEIN, Albany Times Union
Firefighters from around the region work their best to knock down a multi-alarm fire consumes a number of building on Remsen Street Thursday Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, NY. (Skip Dickstein/ Times Union)
Firefighters from around the region work their best to knock down a multi-alarm fire consumes a number of building on Remsen Street Thursday Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, NY. (Skip Dickstein/ Times Union)
Photo: SKIP DICKSTEIN, Albany Times Union
Firefighters from around the region work their best to knock down a multi-alarm fire consumes a number of building on Remsen Street Thursday Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, NY. (Skip Dickstein/ Times Union)
Firefighters from around the region work their best to knock down a multi-alarm fire consumes a number of building on Remsen Street Thursday Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, NY. (Skip Dickstein/ Times Union)
Photo: SKIP DICKSTEIN, Albany Times Union
Firefighters from around the region work their best to knock down a multi-alarm fire consumes a number of building on Remsen Street Thursday Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, NY. (Skip Dickstein/ Times Union)
Firefighters from around the region work their best to knock down a multi-alarm fire consumes a number of building on Remsen Street Thursday Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, NY. (Skip Dickstein/ Times Union)
Photo: SKIP DICKSTEIN, Albany Times Union
Firefighters from around the region work their best to knock down a multi-alarm fire consumes a number of building on Remsen Street Thursday Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, NY. (Skip Dickstein/ Times Union)
Firefighters from around the region work their best to knock down a multi-alarm fire consumes a number of building on Remsen Street Thursday Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, NY. (Skip Dickstein/ Times Union)
Photo: SKIP DICKSTEIN, Albany Times Union
A woman is comforted by a bystander as firefighters from around the region work their best to knock down a multi-alarm fire consumes a number of building on Remsen Street Thursday Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, NY. (Skip Dickstein/ Times Union) less
A woman is comforted by a bystander as firefighters from around the region work their best to knock down a multi-alarm fire consumes a number of building on Remsen Street Thursday Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, NY. ... more
Photo: SKIP DICKSTEIN, Albany Times Union
Firefighters use their hoses to wet down buildings across the street from the main fire buildings as a multi-alarm fire consumes a number of building on Remsen Street Thursday Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, NY. (Skip Dickstein/ Times Union) less
Firefighters use their hoses to wet down buildings across the street from the main fire buildings as a multi-alarm fire consumes a number of building on Remsen Street Thursday Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, NY. ... more
Photo: SKIP DICKSTEIN, Albany Times Union
Power is disconnected from poles surrounding Remsen St. as firefighters from around the region work to control a multi-structure fire on Remsen Street on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union) less
Power is disconnected from poles surrounding Remsen St. as firefighters from around the region work to control a multi-structure fire on Remsen Street on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren ... more
Photo: Lori Van Buren, Albany Times Union
Firefighters from around the region work to control a multi-structure fire on Remsen Street on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union)
Firefighters from around the region work to control a multi-structure fire on Remsen Street on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union)
Photo: Lori Van Buren, Albany Times Union
Firefighters from around the region work to control a multi-structure fire on Remsen Street on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union)
Firefighters from around the region work to control a multi-structure fire on Remsen Street on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union)
Photo: Lori Van Buren, Albany Times Union
Firefighters from around the region work to control a multi-structure fire on Remsen Street on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union)
Firefighters from around the region work to control a multi-structure fire on Remsen Street on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union)
Photo: Lori Van Buren, Albany Times Union
Displaced Cohoes resident Alex David carries his cat Panther to safety as firefighters from around the region work to control a multi-structure fire on Remsen Street on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union) less
Displaced Cohoes resident Alex David carries his cat Panther to safety as firefighters from around the region work to control a multi-structure fire on Remsen Street on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, N.Y. ... more
Photo: Lori Van Buren, Albany Times Union
Firefighters from around the region work to control a multi-structure fire on Remsen Street on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union)
Firefighters from around the region work to control a multi-structure fire on Remsen Street on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union)
Photo: Lori Van Buren, Albany Times Union
People bring their pet dogs to safety as firefighters from around the region work to control a multi-structure fire on Remsen Street on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union)
People bring their pet dogs to safety as firefighters from around the region work to control a multi-structure fire on Remsen Street on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union)
Photo: Lori Van Buren, Albany Times Union
A first-aid command tent is set up as firefighters from around the region work to control a multi-structure fire on Remsen Street on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union)
A first-aid command tent is set up as firefighters from around the region work to control a multi-structure fire on Remsen Street on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union)
Photo: Lori Van Buren, Albany Times Union
Benita Zahn and other members of the media report live as firefighters from around the region work to control a multi-structure fire on Remsen Street on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union) less
Benita Zahn and other members of the media report live as firefighters from around the region work to control a multi-structure fire on Remsen Street on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren / ... more
Photo: Lori Van Buren, Albany Times Union
Firefighters from around the region work to control a multi-structure fire on Remsen Street on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union)
Firefighters from around the region work to control a multi-structure fire on Remsen Street on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union)
Photo: Lori Van Buren, Albany Times Union
Maya Burden tends to her cat and two rabbits on the sidewalk as firefighters from around the region work to control a multi-structure fire on Remsen Street on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, N.Y. Her apartment wasn't on fire but close enough that she had to evacuate. A neighbor took her and her animals inside moments later. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union) less
Maya Burden tends to her cat and two rabbits on the sidewalk as firefighters from around the region work to control a multi-structure fire on Remsen Street on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, N.Y. Her ... more
Photo: Lori Van Buren, Albany Times Union
A car is seen crushed under rubble as firefighters from around the region work to control a multi-structure fire on Remsen Street on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union)
A car is seen crushed under rubble as firefighters from around the region work to control a multi-structure fire on Remsen Street on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union)
Photo: Lori Van Buren, Albany Times Union
Firefighters from around the region work to control a multi-structure fire on Remsen Street on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union)
Firefighters from around the region work to control a multi-structure fire on Remsen Street on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union)
Photo: Lori Van Buren, Albany Times Union
Firefighters from around the region work to control a multi-structure fire on Remsen Street on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union)
Firefighters from around the region work to control a multi-structure fire on Remsen Street on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union)
Photo: Lori Van Buren, Albany Times Union
Firefighters from around the region work to control a multi-structure fire on Remsen Street on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union)
Firefighters from around the region work to control a multi-structure fire on Remsen Street on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, N.Y. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union)
Photo: Lori Van Buren, Albany Times Union
John Gomes, 51, left, talks to the public defender after being arraigned in Cohoes City Court for being a suspect in a multi-structure fire on Remsen Street on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, N.Y. The charges are arson in the 4th and reckless endangerment in the 1st.(Lori Van Buren / Times Union) less
John Gomes, 51, left, talks to the public defender after being arraigned in Cohoes City Court for being a suspect in a multi-structure fire on Remsen Street on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, N.Y. The ... more
Photo: Lori Van Buren, Albany Times Union
John Gomes, 51, is arraigned in Cohoes City Court for being a suspect in a multi-structure fire on Remsen Street on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, N.Y. The charges are arson in the 4th and reckless endangerment in the 1st.(Lori Van Buren / Times Union) less
John Gomes, 51, is arraigned in Cohoes City Court for being a suspect in a multi-structure fire on Remsen Street on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, N.Y. The charges are arson in the 4th and reckless ... more
Photo: Lori Van Buren, Albany Times Union
Judge Thomas Marcelle, left, arraigns John Gomes, 51, third from right, in Cohoes City Court for being a suspect in a multi-structure fire on Remsen Street on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, N.Y. The charges are arson in the 4th and reckless endangerment in the 1st.( Lori Van Buren / Times Union) less
Judge Thomas Marcelle, left, arraigns John Gomes, 51, third from right, in Cohoes City Court for being a suspect in a multi-structure fire on Remsen Street on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017 in Cohoes, N.Y. The charges ... more
Photo: Lori Van Buren, Albany Times Union
The scene of the fire looks like the remnants of a war zone the fire the morning after a multi-alarm fire consumed three buildings and damaged at least 17 others on Remsen and surrounding streets Friday Dec 1, 2017 in Cohoes, NY. (Skip Dickstein/ Times Union) less
The scene of the fire looks like the remnants of a war zone the fire the morning after a multi-alarm fire consumed three buildings and damaged at least 17 others on Remsen and surrounding streets Friday Dec 1, ... more
Photo: SKIP DICKSTEIN, Albany Times Union
The aerial ladder truck Watervliet and Green Island share at the Thomas M. McCormack Fire Headquarters on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017 in Watervliet , N.Y. Last week's massive Cohoes fire was so intense it melted parts.(Lori Van Buren / Times Union) less
The aerial ladder truck Watervliet and Green Island share at the Thomas M. McCormack Fire Headquarters on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017 in Watervliet , N.Y. Last week's massive Cohoes fire was so intense it melted ... more
Photo: Lori Van Buren, Albany Times Union
Detail of fire and heat damage on the aerial ladder truck Watervliet and Green Island share at the Thomas M. McCormack Fire Headquarters on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017 in Watervliet , N.Y. Last week's massive Cohoes fire was so intense it melted parts.(Lori Van Buren / Times Union) less
Detail of fire and heat damage on the aerial ladder truck Watervliet and Green Island share at the Thomas M. McCormack Fire Headquarters on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017 in Watervliet , N.Y. Last week's massive Cohoes ... more
Photo: Lori Van Buren, Albany Times Union
Detail of fire and heat damage on the aerial ladder truck Watervliet and Green Island share at the Thomas M. McCormack Fire Headquarters on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017 in Watervliet , N.Y. Last week's massive Cohoes fire was so intense it melted parts.(Lori Van Buren / Times Union) less
Detail of fire and heat damage on the aerial ladder truck Watervliet and Green Island share at the Thomas M. McCormack Fire Headquarters on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017 in Watervliet , N.Y. Last week's massive Cohoes ... more
Photo: Lori Van Buren, Albany Times Union
Detail of fire and heat damage on the aerial ladder truck Watervliet and Green Island share at the Thomas M. McCormack Fire Headquarters on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017 in Watervliet , N.Y. Last week's massive Cohoes fire was so intense it melted parts.(Lori Van Buren / Times Union) less
Detail of fire and heat damage on the aerial ladder truck Watervliet and Green Island share at the Thomas M. McCormack Fire Headquarters on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017 in Watervliet , N.Y. Last week's massive Cohoes ... more
Photo: Lori Van Buren, Albany Times Union
Detail of fire and heat damage to the air conditioning unit on top of the aerial ladder truck Watervliet and Green Island share at the Thomas M. McCormack Fire Headquarters on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017 in Watervliet , N.Y. Last week's massive Cohoes fire was so intense it melted parts.(Lori Van Buren / Times Union) less
Detail of fire and heat damage to the air conditioning unit on top of the aerial ladder truck Watervliet and Green Island share at the Thomas M. McCormack Fire Headquarters on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017 in ... more
Photo: Lori Van Buren, Albany Times Union
Detail of fire and heat damage on the aerial ladder truck Watervliet and Green Island share at the Thomas M. McCormack Fire Headquarters on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017 in Watervliet , N.Y. Last week's massive Cohoes fire was so intense it melted parts.(Lori Van Buren / Times Union) less
Detail of fire and heat damage on the aerial ladder truck Watervliet and Green Island share at the Thomas M. McCormack Fire Headquarters on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017 in Watervliet , N.Y. Last week's massive Cohoes ... more
Photo: Lori Van Buren, Albany Times Union
A lot of the damage to the aerial ladder truck Watervliet and Green Island share is the inside electrical parts at the Thomas M. McCormack Fire Headquarters on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017 in Watervliet , N.Y. Last week's massive Cohoes fire was so intense it melted parts.(Lori Van Buren / Times Union) less
A lot of the damage to the aerial ladder truck Watervliet and Green Island share is the inside electrical parts at the Thomas M. McCormack Fire Headquarters on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017 in Watervliet , N.Y. Last ... more
Photo: Lori Van Buren, Albany Times Union
Detail of the burnt tires on the aerial ladder truck Watervliet and Green Island share at the Thomas M. McCormack Fire Headquarters on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017 in Watervliet , N.Y. Last week's massive Cohoes fire was so intense it melted parts.(Lori Van Buren / Times Union) less
Detail of the burnt tires on the aerial ladder truck Watervliet and Green Island share at the Thomas M. McCormack Fire Headquarters on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017 in Watervliet , N.Y. Last week's massive Cohoes fire ... more
Photo: Lori Van Buren, Albany Times Union
Detail of the burnt tires on the aerial ladder truck Watervliet and Green Island share at the Thomas M. McCormack Fire Headquarters on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017 in Watervliet , N.Y. Last week's massive Cohoes fire was so intense it melted parts.(Lori Van Buren / Times Union) less
Detail of the burnt tires on the aerial ladder truck Watervliet and Green Island share at the Thomas M. McCormack Fire Headquarters on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017 in Watervliet , N.Y. Last week's massive Cohoes fire ... more
Photo: Lori Van Buren, Albany Times Union
Detail of a burnt rope on the aerial ladder truck Watervliet and Green Island share at the Thomas M. McCormack Fire Headquarters on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017 in Watervliet , N.Y. Last week's massive Cohoes fire was so intense it melted parts.(Lori Van Buren / Times Union) less
Detail of a burnt rope on the aerial ladder truck Watervliet and Green Island share at the Thomas M. McCormack Fire Headquarters on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017 in Watervliet , N.Y. Last week's massive Cohoes fire was ... more
Photo: Lori Van Buren, Albany Times Union
A sign is warped on the aerial ladder truck Watervliet and Green Island share at the Thomas M. McCormack Fire Headquarters on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017 in Watervliet , N.Y. Last week's massive Cohoes fire was so intense it melted parts.(Lori Van Buren / Times Union) less
A sign is warped on the aerial ladder truck Watervliet and Green Island share at the Thomas M. McCormack Fire Headquarters on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017 in Watervliet , N.Y. Last week's massive Cohoes fire was so ... more
Photo: Lori Van Buren, Albany Times Union
Detail of burnt lights on the aerial ladder truck Watervliet and Green Island share at the Thomas M. McCormack Fire Headquarters on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017 in Watervliet , N.Y. Last week's massive Cohoes fire was so intense it melted parts.(Lori Van Buren / Times Union) less
Detail of burnt lights on the aerial ladder truck Watervliet and Green Island share at the Thomas M. McCormack Fire Headquarters on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017 in Watervliet , N.Y. Last week's massive Cohoes fire was ... more
Photo: Lori Van Buren, Albany Times Union
Detail of fire and heat damage on the aerial ladder truck Watervliet and Green Island share at the Thomas M. McCormack Fire Headquarters on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017 in Watervliet , N.Y. Last week's massive Cohoes fire was so intense it melted parts.(Lori Van Buren / Times Union) less
Detail of fire and heat damage on the aerial ladder truck Watervliet and Green Island share at the Thomas M. McCormack Fire Headquarters on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017 in Watervliet , N.Y. Last week's massive Cohoes ... more
Photo: Lori Van Buren, Albany Times Union
Buildings damaged in last week's fire Tuesday Dec. 6, 2017 in Cohoes, NY. (John Carl D'Annibale / Times Union)
Buildings damaged in last week's fire Tuesday Dec. 6, 2017 in Cohoes, NY. (John Carl D'Annibale / Times Union)
Photo: John Carl D'Annibale, Albany Times Union
Greg Dyer looks over rubble from 226 and 228 Remsen Street destroyed in last week's fire Tuesday Dec. 6, 2017 in Cohoes, NY. Dyer whose apartment was in 226, spoke of losing irreplaceable family items. (John Carl D'Annibale / Times Union) less
Greg Dyer looks over rubble from 226 and 228 Remsen Street destroyed in last week's fire Tuesday Dec. 6, 2017 in Cohoes, NY. Dyer whose apartment was in 226, spoke of losing irreplaceable family items. (John ... more
Photo: John Carl D'Annibale, Albany Times Union
Members of the Red Cross home fire campaign walk past boarded up buildings damaged from last week's fire along Remsen Street Tuesday Dec. 6, 2017 in Cohoes, NY. (John Carl D'Annibale / Times Union)
Members of the Red Cross home fire campaign walk past boarded up buildings damaged from last week's fire along Remsen Street Tuesday Dec. 6, 2017 in Cohoes, NY. (John Carl D'Annibale / Times Union)
Photo: John Carl D'Annibale, Albany Times Union
Boarded up buildings damaged from last week's fire along Remsen Street Tuesday Dec. 6, 2017 in Cohoes, NY. (John Carl D'Annibale / Times Union)
Boarded up buildings damaged from last week's fire along Remsen Street Tuesday Dec. 6, 2017 in Cohoes, NY. (John Carl D'Annibale / Times Union)
Photo: John Carl D'Annibale, Albany Times Union
Buildings damaged in last week's fire Tuesday Dec. 6, 2017 in Cohoes, NY. (John Carl D'Annibale / Times Union)
Buildings damaged in last week's fire Tuesday Dec. 6, 2017 in Cohoes, NY. (John Carl D'Annibale / Times Union)
Photo: John Carl D'Annibale, Albany Times Union
Rubble from demolished buildings destroyed in last week's fire along Remsen Street Tuesday Dec. 6, 2017 in Cohoes, NY. (John Carl D'Annibale / Times Union)
Rubble from demolished buildings destroyed in last week's fire along Remsen Street Tuesday Dec. 6, 2017 in Cohoes, NY. (John Carl D'Annibale / Times Union)
Photo: John Carl D'Annibale, Albany Times Union
Customers enjoy lunch at Smith's restaurant on Remsen Street on Monday, Dec. 18, 2017, in Cohoes, N.Y. The restaurant has re-opened following the fire down the street last month. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union) less
Customers enjoy lunch at Smith's restaurant on Remsen Street on Monday, Dec. 18, 2017, in Cohoes, N.Y. The restaurant has re-opened following the fire down the street last month. (Paul Buckowski / Times ... more
Photo: PAUL BUCKOWSKI
Joe Hostig, owner of Smith's restaurant on Remsen Street, visits with customers during lunch on Monday, Dec. 18, 2017, in Cohoes, N.Y. The restaurant has re-opened following the fire down the street last month. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union) less
Joe Hostig, owner of Smith's restaurant on Remsen Street, visits with customers during lunch on Monday, Dec. 18, 2017, in Cohoes, N.Y. The restaurant has re-opened following the fire down the street last ... more
Photo: PAUL BUCKOWSKI
Customers enjoy lunch at Smith's restaurant on Remsen Street on Monday, Dec. 18, 2017, in Cohoes, N.Y. The restaurant has re-opened following the fire down the street last month. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union) less
Customers enjoy lunch at Smith's restaurant on Remsen Street on Monday, Dec. 18, 2017, in Cohoes, N.Y. The restaurant has re-opened following the fire down the street last month. (Paul Buckowski / Times ... more
Photo: PAUL BUCKOWSKI
Customers enjoy lunch at Smith's restaurant on Remsen Street on Monday, Dec. 18, 2017, in Cohoes, N.Y. The restaurant has re-opened following the fire down the street last month. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union) less
Customers enjoy lunch at Smith's restaurant on Remsen Street on Monday, Dec. 18, 2017, in Cohoes, N.Y. The restaurant has re-opened following the fire down the street last month. (Paul Buckowski / Times ... more
Photo: PAUL BUCKOWSKI
Customers enjoy lunch at Smith's restaurant on Remsen Street on Monday, Dec. 18, 2017, in Cohoes, N.Y. The restaurant has re-opened following the fire down the street last month. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union) less
Customers enjoy lunch at Smith's restaurant on Remsen Street on Monday, Dec. 18, 2017, in Cohoes, N.Y. The restaurant has re-opened following the fire down the street last month. (Paul Buckowski / Times ... more
Photo: PAUL BUCKOWSKI
Joe Hostig, owner of Smith's restaurant on Remsen Street, visits with customers during lunch on Monday, Dec. 18, 2017, in Cohoes, N.Y. The restaurant has re-opened following the fire down the street last month. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union) less
Joe Hostig, owner of Smith's restaurant on Remsen Street, visits with customers during lunch on Monday, Dec. 18, 2017, in Cohoes, N.Y. The restaurant has re-opened following the fire down the street last ... more
Photo: PAUL BUCKOWSKI
A fence surround the site where buildings were destroyed by fire last month on Remsen Street, seen here on Monday, Dec. 18, 2017, in Cohoes, N.Y. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union)
A fence surround the site where buildings were destroyed by fire last month on Remsen Street, seen here on Monday, Dec. 18, 2017, in Cohoes, N.Y. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union)
Photo: PAUL BUCKOWSKI
A fence surround the site where buildings were destroyed by fire last month on Remsen Street, seen here on Monday, Dec. 18, 2017, in Cohoes, N.Y. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union)
A fence surround the site where buildings were destroyed by fire last month on Remsen Street, seen here on Monday, Dec. 18, 2017, in Cohoes, N.Y. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union)
Photo: PAUL BUCKOWSKI
ALBANY - A man whose effort to forge a sword in an outdoor fire barrel triggered a blaze that damaged or destroyed dozens of Cohoes buildings is expected to be sentenced Tuesday morning.
Gomes, 51, is expected to be sentenced to a year in jail for his guilty plea to fourth-degree arson in connection with the Nov. 30 fire. Albany County Judge William Carter is presiding over the case.
Gomes pleaded guilty in March, less than a month after he was indicted in connection with the fire.
Gomes, 51, told police he was trying to forge a sword in an outdoor fire barrel on Nov. 30. Embers blew onto a nearby building that started burning. The building where Gomes lived with his son was destroyed, taking all of their belongings.
The fire began after Gomes lit a burn barrel as he tried to fashioned a blade, something he'd seen on the History Channel program "Forged in Steel." That led to the igniting of the building where Gomes lived on Remsen Street.
Assistant Public Defender Chris Ritchey, said Gomes feels terrible about what happened.
"He's incredibly remorseful," Assistant Public Defender Chris Ritchey said after Gomes plea.
Gomes, he said, fbecame emotional when they met to discuss the case. "It almost goes without saying how badly he feels about the whole thing."
The blaze sent a column of smoke billowing in to the air so large it appeared on the National Weather Service's radar. It caused at least $4 million in damage, displaced more than 20 people and caused fire, smoke or water damage to nearly three dozen buildings.
As part of his guilty plea, Gomes agreed to pay restitution, though the district attorney said the amount he'll have to pay has not be tabulated.
Some of Cohoes' most prominent businesses were affected. Smith's tavern and restaurant and Rizzo's flower shop were badly damaged. The former home of Claremont's Tavern, where a new restaurant was planned, collapsed.
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