Fatal House Fire in the town of Lee

TOWN OF LEE-State Police in Oneida is investigating a fatal fire that occurred at 5357 Lee Valley Road in the town of Lee. 

On September 5, 2022, at 9:31 p.m., the Oneida County 911 received a call from an occupant of the house who stated that her house was on fire. Troopers along with Lee Center Fire Department personnel responded and when they arrived on the scene, they discovered a fully engulfed house fire.

The preliminary investigation has determined Carley A. Reed, age 20 was able to escape the burning residence and alerted 911 that her mother, 57-year-old Loretta J. Reed was still inside the residence and bedridden due to an illness. Carley began yelling for help upon escaping the residence.  Two men, who were passing by the home, heard Carley screaming for help and noticed the flames.  They both ran into the house to assist Troopers with pulling Loretta outside. Loretta Reed was subsequently pronounced deceased at the scene. Carley was not injured in the fire.

The Office of Fire Prevention and Control (OFPC) responded to the scene and determined that an overloaded circuit containing an air conditioner, TV, and oxygen compressor, coupled with oxygen tanks utilized by the victim, sparked an immediate and intense flash fire where the victim was located. The fire appears to be accidental in nature.

The investigation is continuing.

State Police were assisted at the scene by Lee Center Fire Department, Taberg Fire Department, and Western Fire Department.