The investigation into the cause of the fire that claimed the life of Captain Matthew Porcari has been concluded.
A Joint Investigation between the Tioga County Fire Investigation Team and the Tioga County Sheriff’s Office concluded that the origin of the fire in the residence owned and occupied by Richard and Valorie Hammond at 871 Chamberlin Rd Newark Valley, New York, was a detached shed next to the home. The shed housed 3 rabbits where an electrical supply to the shed was provided via an extension cord from the residence to a power supply strip located in the shed. The cause of the fire has been isolated to the power supply strip and/or the lights that were plugged into the strip.
The fire from the shed spread to the house, camper and truck that were adjacent to the shed. Both structures, the camper and the truck were a total loss.
Origin was concluded through witness statements and evidence at the scene. The power strip and light fixtures were recovered as evidence and held for further analysis, if necessary.
This Fire has been determined to be ACCIDENTAL.
