UPDATED: Wales - Sheriff's Office Investigating Fatal Fire.

Erie County Sheriff John C. Garcia reports that the Erie County Sheriff’s Fire Investigation Unit is investigating a fatal fire at 13553 Strykersville Road in the town of Wales.

On March 25, 2023, at approximately 11:20 p.m., deputies responded to a residential fire where the Holland and Wales fire companies were working to extinguish the flames. An individual, believed to be the homeowner, was found deceased in the house.

The fire is under investigation, and the Sheriff’s Office is working to confirm the identity of the victim.

UPDATE:

Erie County Sheriff John C. Garcia reports that the March 25, 2023 fire victim in Wales is 84-year-old Viestarts Racenis.

Mr. Racenis was the homeowner.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Firefighters and EMS personnel from Holland and Wales fire companies respond to the fire.