The Buffalo News
GERRY, N.Y. — John Venable Jr., who suffered serious third-degree burns on his arm and hands when he ran back into his burning home Saturday because he thought family members were inside, was awake, responsive and talking to relatives at his hospital bed, his brother said Sunday.
Daniel Venable said his brother, 49, also suffered a heart attack or a cardiac event after the episode. But Sunday, he was stable and awake in Erie County Medical Center, where he was flown Saturday.
John Venable was one of four people hurt by the swift-moving fire that destroyed the double-wide mobile home at 4627 Route 60 in the Chautauqua County town of Gerry just after 10 a.m. The others were hurt escaping the blaze and were treated at a local hospital.
Fire investigators suspect an overheated pellet stove ignited the fire, Gerry Fire Chief Carl Fransen said. Two volunteer firefighters arrived at the scene within two minutes of the call, but by that time flames were already shooting through the roof, Fransen said.
Firefighters from the Sinclairville, Ellington, Faulkner, Fluvanna and Ellery Center fire departments also responded.
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