Reports differ on who was inside the 93-year-old man’s home during the fire. WKBW reported that his daughter was also there and left on her own, while Spectrum News reported that he was the home’s only occupant. Spectrum also reported that officers had heard as many as three people, possibly including a child, might be inside; when smoke became too heavy for officers to go back in, firefighters searched the house.
How the Fire Spread
WIVB reported that officers responding to a late-Sunday-night fire on Osgood Avenue found a garage attached to a neighboring home engulfed. That homeowner had escaped before the fire spread to the 93-year-old man’s house, where he was trapped.
Rescue and Aftermath
WKBW reported that Lieutenant Mike Kocieniewski and Officer Gerace carried the man from his bedroom, with Officer Biasillo assisting, while Officer Kowalski watched the fire from outside. The station said the rescue took a few minutes. WIVB reported that the rescued man was not injured; WKBW said the man who lived in the home where the fire started suffered minor burns to his hand.
Fire companies from Union, Vigilant, East Seneca and Seneca Hose brought the fire under control, and WKBW reported damage of more than $200,000 at each home. WIVB reported that the cause remained under investigation. Spectrum News reported that the three officers involved in the rescue later received a Red Cross Heroes award.
