The Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office said William C. Caldwell, of 3967 Sprague Hill Road, was taken to UMPC Chautauqua WCA hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Firefighters were dispatched for the reported fire around 9:30 a.m. Caldwell was located inside.

Keith Bean, Kennedy fire chief, told The Post-Journal crews arrived on scene to find smoke and fire coming from the front portion of the structure. Bean said a neighbor told firefighters someone might have been inside when they gained entry.

Due to the size and time of the blaze, Bean said he immediately called for mutual aid from surrounding fire departments.

P-J photo by Dan Kohler

“We were inside the structure right away,” Bean said. “We were able to knock down the fire pretty quickly.”

Another person not identified was treated at the scene for minor smoke inhalation but did not require transportation to the hospital, Bean said.

Chautauqua County fire investigators responded to the Sprague Hill Road residence. The fire reportedly originated in a heating furnace.

Kennedy firefighters were assisted Saturday by Ellington, Falconer, Gerry, Randolph, Fluvanna, Frewsburg and Kiantone fire departments.

“I’m grateful for everyone that came out and helped,” Bean said. “Unfortunately it’s not the end result that we were looking for.”