COLONIE — Authorities are investigating a house fire on George Street that claimed the life of a 47-year-old woman.
According to Lt. Robert Winn, the 911 call came in on Tuesday, Nov. 24 at about 10:46 p.m. Patrol officers found the house at 3 George St., off of Watervliet Shaker Road, heavily involved and learned the female owner occupant might still be inside.
Officers attempted to enter the home but were thwarted by heavy fire condition, Winn said. Once firefighters and Colonie EMS were able to enter the single story, one-family home they located Jennifer Moran. She was treated at the scene but was not able to be revived. An autopsy ruled the cause of death asphyxia secondary to smoke inhalation.
A deceased cat was also found in the home.
One member of Colonie EMS was treated for breathing issues at Albany Medical Center Hospital and released.
Firefighters were hampered by a hording situation at the home, Winn said on Talk 1300. There were piles of burnt debris seen thrown broken out windows on Wednesday as investigators examined the scene.
Latham, Shaker Road-Loudonville, Schuyler Heights, Fuller Road, Menands, Maplewood, Verdoy and West Albany responded.
Colonie Fire Services Division and Colonie police are being assisted by the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control in investigating the cause of the fire but it does not appear suspicious, Winn said.
Anyone with any information about the fire is urged to contact the Colonie Police Department at 518-783-2744.
