Police probe fatal fire in Greene County
A Rice Landing man who died Thursday afternoon after fire broke out at his residence likely died as a result of the fire.
According to state police Trooper Daniel Barnhart, a preliminary investigation into the death of William D. Caldwell, 68, whose body was found by volunteer firefighters inside the residence, indicates he died as a result of the fire.
However, the official cause of death remains pending autopsy results, officials from the Greene County coroner’s office said. An autopsy is scheduled for today.
Barnhart said the blaze broke out shortly before 5 p.m. at 1872 Jefferson Road.
While battling the flames, volunteer firefighters made entry into the residence, where they found Caldwell’s body.
Officials said that much of the first floor of the two-story house was destroyed.
No one else was at the home when the fire began.
The state police fire marshal is investigating the cause.