3 Firefighters, 3 Police Officers Hurt Battling Deadly House Fire

MIDDLETOWN, NY — A woman was killed, and several first responders were injured in an Orange County house fire.

The City of Middletown Fire Department said it responded to the house fire on Starhaven Avenue early Saturday morning.

The initial alarm was received at 12:51 a.m., with Middletown units arriving on the scene about one minute later. Due to heavy fire conditions upon arrival, a second alarm was transmitted to bring additional firefighters and equipment to the scene.

While working to control the blaze, firefighters were able to find a victim trapped inside the home.

The victim was evacuated from the home and immediate medical attention was provided, but offials say that the victim died. The department said the name of the victim is being withheld pending notification of family members.

Three firefighters were evaluated and treated at the scene for minor injuries. In addition, two members of the Middletown Police Department were taken to Garnet Medical Center for smoke inhalation.

The fire was brought under control in approximately one hour, with crews remaining on the scene for overhaul and investigation until around 4 a.m.

The preliminary cause of the fire appears to be an overloaded power strip, and the incident remains under investigation, fire officials said.

"The City of Middletown Fire Department extends its sincere appreciation to the Middletown Police Department, Empress Ambulance Service, Slate Hill Fire Department, and Goshen Fire Department for their assistance at the scene," the department said in a statement released on Saturday. "Additional coverage for the City was provided by the Mechanicstown Fire Department, Silver Lake Fire Department, and Circleville Fire Department."