Wayne D. Cook Obituary, Death – Schenectady Fire Department officials have identified the victim of a fatal fire that occurred Friday evening on Brown Street. The victim, 70-year-old Wayne D. Cook, died as a result of smoke asphyxiation. According to Fire Chief Don Mareno, the department responded to a call about a structure fire at 15 Brown St. at approximately 7 p.m. Upon arriving, crews learned that one person was trapped inside the home.
The fire appeared to be particularly intense, with heavy smoke and flames visible from the first floor of the two-story building. As firefighters prepared to enter the home, an explosion was heard from within. Mareno later explained that fire investigators discovered five oxygen cylinders and a small butane cylinder in the home, which likely caused the explosion. These items were found to have contributed to the loud blast heard by responders.
Cook’s identity was confirmed through an autopsy conducted by Ellis Hospital. Chief Mareno stated that a preliminary investigation into the fire suggested that it was accidental in nature, though further investigation is ongoing to determine the exact cause.
The tragedy highlights the dangers of household items such as oxygen and butane cylinders, which can become hazardous in a fire. The fire department continues to work on the case, and the community remains in mourning over the loss of Cook.
