A structure fire in Newark Valley has claimed the life of one firefighter, and severely injured another. The Newark Valley Fire department responded to 871 Chamberlain Road around 11 o’clock last night for the report of a shed on fire. That shed quickly spread to a nearby residence. Additional crews were called from Campville, Newark Valley, Berkshire, Maine and Owego fire departments. Union Center was called later in the morning. Owego Deputy Fire Chief Bob Williams says Owego firefighters Matthew Porcari and Daniel Gavin were in the building when the floor collapsed. Porcari died in the fire. Gavin was taken to Wilson Hospital with burns before being transferred to Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse. Although the fire chief requested a medical helicopter, it was unable to fly due to the weather. Details are sketchy at this time, but we will continue to keep you up to date as more information is released.
