DEADLY FIRE: 16-year-old killed in Chenango County blaze

ANTHONY BORRELLI   | aborrelli@pressconnects.com | @PSBABorrelli

A teenager was unable to escape a house fire early Wednesday that destroyed a Mount Upton residence, according to the Chenango County Sheriff's Office.

Emergency responders converged on the residence at 457 State Highway 8, after a 911 call around 1:15 a.m. reported the structure fire. Sheriff's deputies say the home was already engulfed in flames within minutes of their arrival at the scene.

A 16-year-old — the sheriff's office has not released an identity — was killed in the fire, deputies said Wednesday.

Investigators traced the cause of the fire to a wood stove, which was the main heating source for the residence, according to deputies.

Firefighters from Mount Upton, Sidney, Bainbridge, Guilford, South New Berlin responded to the blaze, along with Cooperstown Medical Transport.

Disaster Action Team volunteers from the Southern Tier Chapter of the American Red Cross provided direct care assistance and lodging for two people after the fire.

In addition, Disaster Mental Health volunteers, who are licensed mental health professionals, were available to provide emotional support.

The sheriff's office was assisted by members of the Chenango County Bureau of Fire Investigation Team, along with state troopers.

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