By Doug La Rocque
Stephentown Fire Chief Jon Angley told members of the media gathered at the scene on Friday morning, December 28, that by the time he arrived at the Saddleback Ridge Road location, the building was completely down on the ground. Found deceased inside the mobile home was a 19 year old, identified in a Times Union obituary, as Jonathan Saviano. Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Deputies said his dog also perished in the flames.
Neighbors called in the fire about 4:30 am, but there was not much firefighters could do when they arrived at the site, located in a wooded area near the Nassau and New Lebanon lines, in the southwestern part of the town.
According to investigators, faulty smoke alarms may have played a role in this tragedy. While the official cause of the fire is not yet listed, deputies say it possibly started with a wood stove. Mr. Saviano was residing in the mobile home, but was not listed as the owner. The Sheriff’s Department hopes to wrap up its investigation and release more information later in the week.
Besides the Stephentown Fire Department, firefighters from East Nassau, Hoags Corners and Tsatsawass also responded, as did a support vehicle from the East Chatham Fire Department.