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Investigators have determined that a fire in Colonie which claimed the lives of three people, was caused by improperly discarded smoking materials on the porch. The blaze occurred on January 27 at a home on Locust Park, resulting in the deaths of 42-year-old Timothy Ryan, his 33-year-old wife Katelyn Ryan, and her 72-year-old mother Lynne Lyons.
According to NEWS10 ABC, the fire was deemed accidental, with no evidence of foul play. The fire spread rapidly due to the presence of flammable items on the porch. Additionally, the home lacked working smoke detectors, and hoarding conditions inside made it difficult for the occupants to escape.
Spectrum Local News reported that two other individuals managed to escape the fire. The Colonie Village Fire Department, along with police and emergency medical services, responded to the scene.
Town Supervisor Peter Crummey expressed condolences to the victims' families and thanked the emergency responders for their efforts. He emphasized the importance of maintaining working smoke detectors and clear pathways in homes to prevent such tragedies in the future.
WNYT highlighted that the ruined building was demolished on February 6. The Colonie Building and Fire Services Department reminded residents to test smoke detectors monthly and safely dispose of smoking materials.