Fatal House Fire - Chili, NY
November 17, 2014 - Chili firefighters responded for the report of a house on fire with a person trapped at 3:17p.m. Dispatch advised that a sheriff's deputy on scene was reporting heavy smoke and someone possibly trapped in the basement. Upon arrival, crews entered the home and conducted an aggressive search.
According to Lieutenant Doug Comanzo of the Monroe County Sheriff's Office, firefighters located an elderly male in the basement and attempted a rescue. In spite of their valiant efforts, he did not survive. A family member who was also home at the time of the fire was able to escape and dial 911.
The victim was identified as 88-year-old Richard Strassman, a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II and someone who was known by many of the firefighters that responded to this fire. Officials believe the fire started in the basement and the cause is under investigation.
Several area fire departments, including Gates and Churchville, responded either to the scene or as fill in companies
Read MoreAccording to Lieutenant Doug Comanzo of the Monroe County Sheriff's Office, firefighters located an elderly male in the basement and attempted a rescue. In spite of their valiant efforts, he did not survive. A family member who was also home at the time of the fire was able to escape and dial 911.
The victim was identified as 88-year-old Richard Strassman, a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II and someone who was known by many of the firefighters that responded to this fire. Officials believe the fire started in the basement and the cause is under investigation.
Several area fire departments, including Gates and Churchville, responded either to the scene or as fill in companies
