Schenectady Fire Department Identifies Victim in Deadly Brown Street Fire
Schenectady, NY – Schenectady Fire Department officials have identified the victim of a fatal structure fire that occurred on Friday evening at a home on Brown Street. According to Fire Chief Don Mareno, the victim was Wayne D. Cook, age 70, who tragically died of smoke asphyxiation.
The fire department responded to the scene at 15 Brown Street around 7:00 p.m. after reports of a blaze at the two-story residence. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy flames and thick smoke billowing from the first floor of the home. Emergency crews were informed that one person was trapped inside the building.
As firefighters prepared to enter the structure, an explosion erupted from within the house. Chief Mareno later confirmed that fire investigators discovered five oxygen cylinders and a small butane cylinder inside the home, which likely caused the explosion that was heard by nearby residents.
The victim was found inside the home and was confirmed deceased. An autopsy performed by Ellis Hospital helped positively identify Cook as the victim.
A preliminary investigation into the fire’s cause indicates that the incident was accidental. Schenectady fire officials, along with local authorities, are continuing to review the circumstances surrounding the blaze.
The fire department expressed its condolences to the Cook family during this difficult time and reiterated the importance of safety precautions when storing potentially hazardous materials such as oxygen and fuel canisters.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities will release more details as they become available.
