Wheatfield, NY (January 11, 2025) – A devastating house fire claimed the life of an elderly woman late Friday night on Baisch Dr in the Town of Wheatfield. The Niagara County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center received a 911 call at approximately 11:47 PM reporting heavy smoke and flames at 3992 Baisch Dr.
Niagara County Sheriff’s Deputies and a North Tonawanda Police Officer were among the first to arrive and confirmed an active structure fire. The caller reported that the elderly female resident, aged 82, was unresponsive inside the home. Despite their efforts to enter the residence, the officers were unable to proceed due to the intensity of the smoke and flames.
Firefighters from multiple agencies, including Adams, St. Johnsburg, Bergholz, Shawnee Volunteer Fire Companies, and the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Fire Department, arrived and worked swiftly to extinguish the blaze. Upon making entry, fire crews located the elderly woman on the first floor of the home. She was extricated, and life-saving measures were initiated, but tragically, she was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The name of the victim has not yet been released as authorities await notification of her family. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Niagara County Fire Investigation Unit. Damage estimates were not immediately available.
Our thoughts are with the family and community affected by this tragic loss, and we commend the efforts of the first responders for their bravery and quick response.
House Fires in New York: Safety and Prevention
House fires are among the most devastating emergencies a community can face, often resulting in tragic outcomes, as seen in this Wheatfield incident. In New York, residential fires remain a serious concern, with common causes including unattended cooking, heating equipment, electrical issues, and accidental ignition of flammable materials.
The fire on Baisch Dr highlights the importance of fire prevention measures and community awareness. Ensuring working smoke alarms, practicing evacuation plans, and maintaining heating systems are critical steps in reducing the risk of such incidents.
Additionally, fire departments across New York provide resources for fire safety education and community preparedness. Families are encouraged to remain vigilant and seek assistance from local fire authorities to address any potential fire hazards in their homes.
For those impacted by fires, recovery can be a long and emotional journey. Understanding the resources available for emergency aid, counseling, and support is an essential step forward.
For more information or to receive help after an incident, contact Local Accident Reports. If you or someone you know has been affected by a fire, reach out to Local Accident Reports for assistance.