Famed landmark Hot Dog Charlie's, tavern on fire

By KENNETH C. CROWE II, Staff writer
Last updated: 11:44 a.m., Friday, July 3, 2009

TROY - A fire is burning inside the famed Hot Dog Charlie's and a neighboring tavern in Lansingburgh this morning. Both structures are among the city's oldest.

Firefighters from Troy, Cohoes and Watervliet are trying to extinguish the flames at the 626 Second Ave. hot dog stand, known for its tiny dog smothered in meat sauce, and the neighboring Trader Ed's Nautical Pub and Restaurant.

Fire Chief Thomas Garrett said it appears the fire began in the rear of Hot Dog Charlie's, possibly in the kitchen's grease hood.

"It's a hard fire to fight. It's spreading horizontally," Garrett said as firefighters tried to keep the flames from spreading inside the multi-story buildings.

Flames and smoke can be seen coming from the roof in the front and back of Trader Ed's. Flames also appear to have damaged part of Hot Dog Charlie's.

Water is pouring out of the front of both buildings, which, dating to 1787, are among the oldest wooden structures in the city.

"I hope they're going to be able to save the structures," Mayor Harry Tutunjian said at the scene.

"This is very chilling."

Tutunjian is among the more than 100 people gathered at the scene while dozens of firefighters battle the fire.