CHATHAM STRUCTURE FIRE CLAIMS ONE LIFE
9/15/16 *:15 PM – Chatham, NY- Sheriff David P. Bartlett reports that at approximately 3:16 am this morning, Sheriff’s Deputies, multiple fire departments and rescue squads responded to a residence on Ford Road in Old Chatham for a fully involved structure fire.
Upon arrival, first responders discovered that one occupant, 81 year old Larry Shapiro, was unable to exit the residence before becoming succumbed by smoke and fire. There were five other occupants who escaped, two with minor injuries who were transported to Albany Medical Center, treated and later released.
The house fire is being labeled undetermined at this time, not suspicious, pending further investigation. It is currently being investigated by Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Investigators, State Fire (Office of Fire Prevention and Control), and the Columbia County Cause and Origin Team.
The following fire departments all responded to the scene: Tri-Village, North Chatham, East Chatham, Lebanon Valley, Niverville, Canaan, Red Rock, Austerlitz, Spencertown, and Tsatsawassa.
Also assisting at the scene were Chatham Rescue Squad, Valatie Rescue Squad, Columbia County EMS Coordinator PJ Keeler, and Columbia County Fire Coordinator Bill Hunt.
Investigating for the Sheriff’s Office are Sheriff David Bartlett, Captain John DeRocha, Senior Investigator Kevin Skype, Investigator Anthony Brahm, Sergeant Andrew Broockmann, and Deputy
Michael Meier.
