Fatal House Fire, 635 Garfield Avenue, Ardsley

June 27, 2017
17-030175

At approximately 1:57 AM on July 27, 2017, a neighbor called 9-1-1 and reported that the home at 635 Garfield Avenue was on fire. The first responding Police and Fire Units found the house fully involved with fire and flames coming through the roof. All doors  to the home were locked and entry had to be forced. Neighbors reported that the home was occupied by only one person – a man who was later determined to be 69 years old.

Initial attempts to awaken or contact this resident were futile. As quickly as possible a fire-rescue team equipped with a thermal imaging device entered the home to search for the victim. These efforts were made more difficult by the large amount of possessions, debris and trash which littered the house. The team located the unresponsive victim in the living room of the home and moved him outside where he was pronounced dead.

Edge Hill, Weldon, Roslyn, Abington and McKinley Fire Companies responded to the blaze assisted by surrounding mutual aid Fire Departments. Second Alarmers Rescue Squad also assisted. In addition to 635 Garfield being severely damaged, the property next door as well as a car parked on this property were damaged.

The name of the victim has not been released pending notification of all relatives. The cause of the fire does not appear to be suspicious but it is under investigation by the Abington Township Fire Marshal and Abington Township Police. Because of the extent of the damage, it is unknown if the home was equipped with smoke alarms but none were audible to neighbors or responding emergency units.

For additional information contact the Abington Township Fire Marshal’s Office at 267- 536-1088.

Approved for Release by:
John A. Livingood, Chief of Police