State Police Identify Person Found Deceased Inside Home During Structure Fire in McGraw

The New York State Police have identified the person who was found deceased inside a home on Elm Street in the Village of McGraw during a structure fire on Monday, March 24th. State Police say 81 year old Robert Pickert was found deceased inside the home. No foul play has been suspected in his death, State Police said in a release.

It was around 6pm Monday evening when McGraw Fire was dispatched to 28 Elm Street in the Village of McGraw for a structure fire. Firefighters arriving on scene found heavy fire and smoke and issued a 2nd-alarm all hands fire. Fire Departments from Cortlandville, Homer, and the City of Cortland responded to the scene. McLean Fire also responded with their rehab trailer. No firefighters were injured.

The fire is believed to have started on the first floor in the rear of the house before rapidly spreading to the second floor. Firefighters were on scene until the early morning hours of Tuesday.

Additional assistance was provided by Cincinnatus Fire providing standby coverage, and the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control.