Trending Topics

Officials: Electrical problem sparked fatal NY fire

Among the victims was 9-year-old Tyler Doohan, who woke up several other relatives that escaped the blaze, but died trying to save his grandfather

The Associated Press

PENFIELD, N.Y. — Fire investigators say an electrical problem caused the January blaze that killed four family members in a mobile home in western New York.

The Monroe County Fire Bureau says either an overloaded circuit or improper work that had been done at the home in Penfield, a Rochester suburb, caused the Jan. 20 blaze.

Among the victims was 9-year-old Tyler Doohan. Officials say he died trying to save his grandfather, who also was killed in the blaze along with Tyler’s step-great-grandfather. The boy’s great-grandmother later died from injuries suffered in the fire.

Authorities say Tyler woke up several other relatives who escaped the blaze, then went back inside in an attempt to rescue his grandfather.

Local firefighters honored his heroism by making him an honorary firefighter.