Saturday afternoon Amsterdam fire claims one; Neighbors help others to safety, police say

Share on Facebook

Save

AMSTERDAM – One person was killed in a Saturday afternoon fire in Amsterdam, police said.

Neighbors helped two others escape to safety, police said.

The fire happened at about 3 p.m. at 363 Division St., police said.

Police and firefighters responded to the area of Guy Park Avenue and Genevieve Street for a report of a structure fire and heavy smoke, police said.

Arriving officers soon determined the smoke to be coming from 363 Division St. Police saw the second floor of the two-story home fully involved with visible flames escaping from the windows and rooftop.

Neighbors spotted the flames and soon assisted two people in getting out of the building.

Police and firefighters, however, soon confirmed that one person died inside the residence. The identity of the person was not released as of Saturday evening.

Amsterdam police personnel, including members of the detective bureau, remained on scene Saturday evening while firefighters continued to put the blaze out, police said.

An investigation into the fire is ongoing with the state Office of Fire Prevention and Control.

Police and firefighters were expected to remain on scene throughout the night, police said.