Bethany Bump and her colleagues at the Times Union are reporting the city of Cohoes in Albany County is under a state of emergency following a massive fire that damaged a significant portion of the city's downtown November 30. "It is the worst disaster the city has ever seen," Mayor Shawn Morse said. The blaze destroyed three structures, damaged 18 other buildings and displaced at least 20 people. A firefighter was taken to the hospital with unspecified injuries, but no other injuries were reported. Within six hours of when the fire started authorities had charged John A. Gomes, 51, of Cohoes with felony reckless endangerment and misdemeanor arson. It is alleged Gomes started a barrel fire in his backyard when trying to forge a blade, in an apparent attempt to mimic a History Channel show about bladesmithing. The fire affected some of Cohoes' most prominent businesses, including Smith's tavern and restaurant and Rizzo's flower shop. Read the full story in the Times Union.