A severe three-alarm house fire claimed the lives of a New York couple and left their young daughter in grave condition on Sunday evening, September 27, 2026. The devastating blaze tore through a home located at 2214 13th Street in the Beman Park neighborhood of Troy, drawing an immediate response from local emergency crews after a call was received around 9:30 p.m.
- Tragic Loss of Life and Severe Injuries
- Daughter Escapes Through Second-Story Window
- Community Response and Support
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Where did the fatal house fire take place?
- Who were the victims of the Troy fire?
- What is the condition of the children who survived?
- Were any first responders injured?
- How can people support the surviving family members?
Tragic Loss of Life and Severe Injuries
Troy officials identified the adult victims as 37-year-old Dominick Rizzo Jr. and his 39-year-old fiancé, Alicia Ruefle. According to Troy Fire Chief Richard Cellucci, emergency personnel arrived to find heavy flames and smoke engulfing the single-family residence amid initial reports that individuals were trapped inside.
Firefighters mounted an aggressive rescue operation, pulling Dominick Jr., Alicia, and their 11-year-old daughter, Abigail Rizzo, from the burning structure within five minutes of the initial call. Despite these rapid efforts, Dominick Jr. and Alicia succumbed to their injuries. Abigail sustained extensive burns and was rushed to Westchester Medical Center’s specialized burn unit. Hospital officials confirmed that she remains on life support in critical, grave condition.
Tragically, the family’s pets also perished in the blaze. Authorities confirmed that seven dogs died inside the residence during the fire.
Daughter Escapes Through Second-Story Window
Amidst the tragedy, the couple’s 13-year-old son, Dominick Rizzo III, managed to survive without sustaining serious physical injuries. According to investigators and local reports, the boy escaped the burning home by jumping out of a second-story window. A quick-thinking neighbor assisted him at the scene.
First responders faced dangerous conditions while battling the intense blaze. Chief Cellucci reported that two firefighters sustained second-degree burns. Both injured personnel were treated at a local hospital and subsequently released.
The operation required extensive mutual aid. Troy officials expressed gratitude to surrounding fire departments that responded to assist, including crews from Albany, Green Island, and Watervliet.
Community Response and Support
As the Capital Region processes the heartbreaking event, community members have rallied around the surviving children, Dominick III and Abigail. Troy Mayor Carmella Mantello announced that a verified GoFundMe campaign has been established to support the family during this difficult time.
Organizers stated that donations will help family members care for the children, cover medical and recovery expenses for Abigail following anticipated surgeries, and assist with funeral arrangements for Dominick Jr. and Alicia. Local officials noted that investigators are still working to determine the official cause of the fire and are examining whether working smoke alarms were present inside the home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the fatal house fire take place?
The fire occurred at a home located at 2214 13th Street in the Beman Park neighborhood of Troy, New York, on Sunday evening, September 27, 2026.
Who were the victims of the Troy fire?
The fire claimed the lives of 37-year-old Dominick Rizzo Jr. and his 39-year-old fiancé, Alicia Ruefle. Additionally, seven dogs perished in the blaze.
What is the condition of the children who survived?
The couple’s 13-year-old son, Dominick Rizzo III, escaped the second story of the home without serious physical injuries. Their 11-year-old daughter, Abigail Rizzo, was hospitalized at Westchester Medical Center’s burn unit, where she remains in critical, grave condition on life support.
Were any first responders injured?
Yes. Two firefighters sustained second-degree burns while battling the aggressive three-alarm fire. Both were treated at a local hospital and released.
How can people support the surviving family members?
Family and community organizers have established an official GoFundMe campaign to assist the children with living expenses, medical and recovery costs for Abigail, and funeral arrangements for their parents.
