Early Saturday morning, a fast-moving fire ripped through a Starhaven Avenue home in Middletown, killing one person and sending several first responders to the hospital. Fire crews arrived to find heavy flames after a 12:51 a.m. dispatch and quickly struck a second alarm as neighboring departments rushed in to help. One resident was pulled from the house and given emergency care but later died, while city crews stayed on scene for hours handling overhaul as investigators combed through the charred interior.
Firefighters were called to 11 Starhaven Avenue at 12:51 a.m. and encountered "heavy fire conditions," prompting a second alarm and mutual‑aid from nearby departments, according to Times Union. Crews located one adult inside the home and had the blaze under control in about an hour, though they remained on scene into the early morning to dig out hot spots and support investigators. The fire department later thanked Slate Hill, Goshen and other area companies for backing them up at the fire.
Officials initially withheld the victim’s name while they worked to notify family members, though some outlets later reported the person who died was a former FDNY member, as reported by AOL. Three firefighters suffered minor injuries and were taken from the scene for care, and two Middletown police officers were transported to Garnet Health Medical Center to be treated for smoke inhalation, according to local reports. The department says the case remains under active review.
Officials Point to Overloaded Power Strip
The city's preliminary investigation has zeroed in on an overloaded power strip as the likely starting point of the blaze, CBS News New York reported. Fire investigators are continuing to examine the strip itself, the home’s electrical system and any other possible ignition sources as they work toward a final report.
Recall And Safety Warnings
The finding comes on the heels of a March recall of thousands of CCCEI‑brand power strips by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, which warned the devices lack overcurrent protection and can spark or melt. The recall notice urges consumers to stop using the affected models immediately, as detailed by CPSC. Safety groups and fire officials caution that high‑draw appliances, such as space heaters, should never be plugged into power strips or daisy‑chained, in line with guidance from the Electrical Safety Foundation International.
Investigation Underway
City officials say the probe remains open while investigators process evidence and continue interviewing witnesses. Residents who are unsure whether their equipment is part of a recall or who have questions about electrical safety are urged to review the CPSC recall notice and contact their local fire department while the Middletown fire investigation moves forward.
