UPDATE
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — The victim who died in Friday’s fire was publicly identified Tuesday as 78-year-old Christine Cannon, a third-floor resident.
Officers with the Rochester Police Department said they have not been able to locate any known relatives or next-of-kin at this time.
According to the Monroe County Veterans Service Agency, Cannon briefly served in the U.S. Army in 1969. She was released on an honorable discharge. She is legally considered an army vet.
If no next-of-kin is identified, the Medical Examiner’s Office will notify the Monroe Co. Public Administrator’s Office to arrange a burial, police said.
The Major Crimes Unit is continuing their investigation, as well as the Arson Task Force. Police said they have not yet classified whether the incident is a case of arson or not.
Anyone who may have information on Cannon’s next-of-kin is encouraged to contact the Medical Examiner’s Office at 585-753-5909.
A service for Cannon is set for Saturday, February 11, at 4 p.m. at the Power House Kingdom Cathedral Church of God in Christ.
Anyone with information on the fire investigation is encouraged to contact 911, the Major Crimes Unit at 585-428-7157, or Crimestoppers at 585-423-9300. Tips can also be emailed to MajorCrimes@cityofrochester.gov.
ORIGINAL
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — One woman is dead and three people — including one firefighter — were hospitalized after a house fire early Friday morning on Hancock Street.
The fire was at a three-story, wood-frame home. According to the Rochester Fire Department, the structure was a nine-family home.
Two people were rescued from inside the home and were taken to a hospital. Their conditions are unknown. Others were seen leaving the area in blankets and placed into warming buses.
“Once we got outside and we turned around it was just a lot of smoke coming from the third floor,” said Robrtshun Smith. “At first you see the blaze coming from the third floor screaming for help but none of us could get up there to help her.”
According to RPD Capt. Frank Umbrino, once the fire was under control, a woman believed to be in her 70s was found dead on the third floor of the building as a result of her injuries.
A News 8 crew on the scene say that the top floor of the home was engulfed in flames and that the roof collapsed. One firefighter was taken to a hospital after receiving burns on his ears and has been released.
Cpt. Umbrino added that there was initially a call for a domestic dispute on Hancock St. RPD is currently investigating to see if there is a connection between the dispute call and the fire.
RFD said they will remain on the scene to dismantle the house while adding that Red Cross will remain on the scene to aid those who were displaced.
RPD said that nobody is in custody, but they are conducting interviews to figure out the cause of the fire.
Full Briefing from Cpt. Frank Umbrino
Check back with News 8 WROC as we will continue to update this developing story.