First responders were alerted around 7:30 a.m. to the fire at 83 W. Main St. — known historically as the home of Reuben Fenton who served as Carroll town supervisor, a member of Congress and governor of New York.

Firefighters from several departments — Frewsburg, Falconer, Busti, Lakewood, Kiantone and Kennedy — responded to the property that includes five apartments, four of which were occupied. The county’s FAST Team, fire police and emergency services also went to the hamlet to assist.

Heavy smoke could be seen coming from the property, and by 8 a.m., an evacuation order for all crews inside was issued.

By 8:30 a.m., county fire investigators were called to the scene along with a coroner.

A fatality was reported after fire broke out Monday morning at a West Main Street residence in Frewsburg. The property is known historically as the home of Reuben Fenton, who served in Congress and governor of New York. P-J photos by Dennis Phillips

Sheriff James Quattrone later confirmed there was a fatality. He told reporters the body was being transported to the Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo for an autopsy.

The victim’s name was not being released, the Sheriff’s Office said Monday evening in a news release.

County fire investigators could still be seen inside the first floor of the property by the early afternoon. “The investigation team is actively working at determining the cause and origin of the fire,” the Sheriff’s Office said.

All remaining occupants escaped injury and were being assisted by the American Red Cross.

Regarding Fenton, a marker outside the West Main Street residence notes the years he served: from 1846-52 as town supervisor; in 1852 and from 1856-65 as a member of Congress; from 1865-69 as governor; and from 1869-75 as a U.S. Senator. The bottom of the marker states: “The Soldier’s Friend.”

His former home in Jamestown is now the Fenton History Center, and Fenton Hall at the State University of New York at Fredonia is named after him.