A home in the Town of Byron erupts in flames.
“Flames coming out of the windows and doors,” Byron Fire Chief Charles Durkee said.
Two people in their 80’s were inside. Fire crews battled to get them out.
An unidentified women being rescued. She was responsive but sent to a local hospital as a precaution.
Her husband, who is also not being named at this time, got trapped.
“We had one fatality. The other person got out and was talking,” Durkee said.
Fire officials said they got the call around two a.m. When they arrived on scene the house was already engulf in flames and extremely hot. They fought the fire and saved the female but then had to get out of the building for safety reasons, unable to rescue the man.
In addition to the extreme heat, Durkee said there were other major challenges in fighting the blaze.
“We realized the roof had ice. We only have hydrants on this street and a street over there and they are miles away,” Durkee said.
Once they got into the building they were able to get the fire under control but it was too late. Durkee said the man died of smoke inhalation.
As for the house, it was gutted and totally destroyed. Fire officials said it will be demolished after the investigation is completed.
