Forestport Fire Investigation UPDATE

FORESTPORT-According to Oneida County Sheriff R. Maciol investigators have made contact with the next of kin.  The names of the victims involved in the early morning fire are as follows;  Bruce Siergiey, 64, of Queensbury, NY was injured and taken to St. Elizabeth Hospital.  Michael S. Hastings, 63, of Fort Edward, NY was flown to Upstate Hospital with burn injuries.  Joseph M. Funk, 64, of Gansevort, NY was deceased at the scene.  Thomas Dingmon, 78, of Middle Grove, NY was also deceased at the scene.

The Fire Broke out at approximate 1:00 AM in a small hunting camp off of Nichols Mills Road in the Town of Forestport right near the Herkimer County Line.  Siergiey and Hastings were able to get out of the cabin which was fully engulfed in flames but Funk and Dingmon were not and pronounced deceased at the scene.  Investigators are looking into the possible cause of the fire but at this time it is likely related to a wood stove that was used for heat within the cabin.  Due to the remote location when Siergiey and Hastings got outside of the cabin they then had to trave to a residence approximately 8 miles away by four wheeler to summons emergency help from a residence on Horton Road.

The Oneida County Sheriff's Office was assisted at the scene by the New York State Police, Forestport Fire Department, Prospect Ambulance and Old Forge Ambulance.