Newburgh fire leaves one dead

NEWBURGH, N.Y. >> One person is dead following a fire Friday night at 6½ Farrington St.

The alarm was called in at 11:43 p.m. Friday and within two minutes city firefighters were on the scene of the multi-family, two-story residence. They encountered heavy flames from the front of the building.

Residents from the second floor reported an occupant from the first floor was unaccounted for, Fire Chief Terry Ahlers said. A search by firefighters located the resident’s body, he added. Ahlers did not say if the victim was male or female. An examination will determine the cause of death.

Ahlers said the fire was under control by 12:20 a.m. with the building sustaining fire and water damage on both floors, making it unlivable.

There were no other injuries reported to civilians or firefighters.

The two-alarm fire brought out firefighters from West Point, Middle Hope and Air Guard fire departments, along with off-duty Newburgh firefighters to man reserve equipment. Cronomer Valley and Vails Gate fire departments were on standby. City fire investigators and police were assisted by the Westchester County accelerant detection dog and the state Office of Fire Protection and control.

The investigation is continuing, but the fire appears to be accidental, Ahlers said.