Press release
April 1, 2019: The City of Batavia Fire Department has concluded the fire investigation of the house fire at 109 Evans Street on March 30, 2019.
Upon analysis of the structure, respective contents and collection of data, the fire has been ruled accidental in nature. The origin of the fire was located at the stovetop within the kitchen.
The investigation was conducted by the City of Batavia’s Fire Investigation team along with investigators from the City of Batavia Police Department and the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control.
The residence was a single family home and there were eight occupants of the home along with several pets. All occupants were able to escape the home except for John Sherman Sr. who was rescued by City of Batavia firefighters,but later succumbed to his injuries. Additionally, a dog also perished in the fire. The family was alerted by a working smoke detector.
The City of Batavia Fire Department reminds all residents to have working smoke and a carbon monoxide detectors in your home. Additionally, it is highly recommended to have all residents sleep with their bedroom door closed so as to provide a protective area of refuge in the event of a fire situation.