Mount Vernon Man Perishes In Saturday Morning House Fire

MOUNT VERNON, NY — Mount Vernon Fire Department officials say a man died in a house fire in the city this morning.

At approximately 9:25 a.m. on Saturday, the Mount Vernon Fire Department was called to a fire on South Third Ave. The residential fire resulted in one resident losing his life.

The fire department arrived on the scene in force with three engines, ladder trucks, and battalion support. Another victim suffered from smoke inhalation and was rushed to Jacobi Hospital for injuries described as "non-life-threatening."

Firefighters encountered heavy flames on the first floor of the building when they arrived. Despite their efforts during a primary search, officials said the intense flames made it challenging to conduct a thorough search. Eventually, during a secondary search, the body of the man who died in the blaze was discovered.

"A special thank you to FDMV and MVPD on a job well done today," Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard said in a statement released on social media. "A loss of life is never easy, but you served with valor."

Mutual aid support was provided by neighboring fire departments, including New Rochelle and Pelham. Pelham Manor was on standby to provide coverage while the Mount Vernon firefighters were busy with the fatal fire in the city.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. The house sustained significant damage in the fire. The identity of the man killed is being withheld pending notification to the family, fire officials said.