A house fire with a man trapped inside upstairs is reported on Davis Avenue in the City of Batavia. It was called in as a living room on fire. The house is filled with smoke and a responder on scene says flames are showing. A female was able to get out the back door, but her husband remains upstairs. Mercy medics are responding along with city fire and police. Smoke is now reported coming from the upstairs rear of the house.
UPDATE 2:16 a.m.: The second, third and fourth platoons are called in.
UPDATE 2:17 a.m.: The Alexander Fire Department's Fast Team is called.
UPDATE 2:20 a.m.: Darien fire's cascade equipment is called in and Town of Batavia is asked to stand by in its quarters. A second ambulance is requested.
UPDATE 2:22 a.m.: City command reports high temperatures inside the house, which is filled with smoke. Additional manpower is called to handle traffic.
UPDATE 2:24 a.m.: The traffic detail is for Alexander, to direct traffic at routes 20 and 98.
UPDATE 2:29 a.m.: Most of the fire is knocked down, but flames are still showing on one side of the house. The man has not been extricated. Flames are going through the roof in the center of the structure. Davis Avenue is between Williams Park and Franklin Street.
UPDATE 2:39 a.m.: Firefighters were able to gain access to the upstairs about five minutes ago.
UPDATE 2:43 a.m.: The fire is knocked down. They are starting to overhaul the structure.
UPDATE 2:46 a.m.: National Grid has arrived to cut power off, but can't access the scene yet because of the number of fire engines there.
UPDATE 4:15 a.m. (by Howard): George A. McConnell, 87, did not survive the fire. He was in bed on the second floor of the house in the rear where the structure sustained the heaviest damage. He was unable to get out and the area was heavily involved in fire and smoke by the time the first crews were on scene. The cause of the fire has yet to be determined. McConnell's wife, Candace, 61, was not injured. A full story is coming.
UPDATE 4:21 a.m. (by Howard): Fire command is requesting six cat carriers to help contain multiple cats. Animal control is not yet on duty. Dispatchers will see what they can do.
UPDATE 4:24 a.m.: Darien fire is clearing the city's scene. The chief is returning to the Route 20 accident. The truck is returning to have its cascade system topped off.
UPDATE 4:53 a.m.: Photos below submitted by Frank Capuano.
UPDATE 5:15 a.m.: Town of Batavia going back in service.
