Mechanicville Woman Arrested for Arson 

A Mechanicville woman has been arrested for allegedly setting fire to a garage on Main Street in Mechanicville. 

Alisha Cooper, 46, was arrested and charged with third degree arson, attempted third degree arson, third degree burglary, and third-degree criminal mischief. 

According to the Mechanicville Fire Department, crews were dispatched to 192 South Main Street on August 10, 2026, at 7:42 p.m. for a structure fire. On scene, crews found a 25 by 100-foot garage with heavy fire conditions and reportedly heard multiple explosions coming from the structure. 

Within 20 minutes, firefighters were able to get the fire under control and prevent it from spreading to surrounding buildings. No injuries were reported in the fire. 

The fire was investigated by the Mechanicville Police Department and Saratoga County Cause and Origin Team. According to the Mechanicville Police Department, witnesses observed a woman, allegedly identified as Cooper, leaving the scene of the fire around the same time as the alarm. A search warrant was later executed at her residence, where police say they found additional evidence. 

Cooper is alleged to have illegally entered the garage, set it on fire, attempted to set a truck on fire, and damaged a vehicle in the garage. Police said they believed the incident stemmed from “an ongoing family despite.” 

Cooper was arraigned and released to pre-trial services pending further proceedings. 

Multiple agencies responded to the fire including the Arvin Hart Fire Company, Hillcrest Fire Department, Melrose Fire Department, Hemstreet Park Fire Department, Clifton Park Fire Department, Stillwater Fire Department, Waterford Fire Department, Clifton Park-Halfmoon EMS, Saratoga County Cause and Origin Team, Saratoga County Office of Emergency Services, and the Mechanicville Police Department.