Fire on Davis Avenue claims life of 87-year-old resident

Davis Avenue is a quiet street tucked in a corner of Batavia between Franklin Avenue and Williams Park.

The residents tend to be homeowners who have lived on Davis as neighbors for many years. They all know each other, said Officer Darryl Streeter.

As word spread early this morning that 87-year-old George A. McConnell did not make it out of his house at 10 Davis Ave. before the back of the structure became engulfed in flames, the shock and grief was apparent among the neighbors who watched the scene on a cold and snowy night.

"It's a very tough situation," Streeter said moments after comforting a neighbor.

Streeter was the first emergency responder on scene. He found George's wife, Candace, on the back porch trying to get out.

"I made entry into the house and got to the main kitchen, living room area and tried to make it upstairs but the smoke was too intense," Streeter said. "I stepped out, tried it a second time, but I just couldn't get any further than the kitchen itself."

At that point firefighters arrived and the back area of the second floor -- where George's bedroom was located -- was fully engulfed in flames.

The fire was knocked down in less than 20 minutes but firefighters found it difficult to make entry into the house because of what Chief Jim Maxwell characterized as "clutter." 

"It was quite a chore getting through everything," Maxwell said.

The cause or origin of the fire has not yet been determined.

Candace McConnell, who is 61, was uninjured and was taken in and being assisted by a neighbor.

George McConnell was born Dec. 25, 1925.