Two police officers hospitalized; investigation points to possible electrical cause
By Myrek Zastavnyi
MIDDLETOWN — A fast-moving overnight house fire in the City of Middletown claimed the life of a resident and sent multiple first responders to the hospital, highlighting both the dangers of residential fires and the risks faced by those who respond to them.
City officials confirmed that Steve Piccoli was killed in the blaze at 11 Starhaven Avenue early Saturday morning, April 4.
Fire crews were dispatched at approximately 12:51 a.m. and arrived within about a minute to find heavy fire conditions already consuming portions of the home. Due to the intensity of the blaze, a second alarm was quickly sounded, bringing in additional manpower and equipment.
Victim Found Inside Home
During firefighting operations, crews located Piccoli inside the residence. He was removed from the home and given immediate medical attention at the scene before being transported to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
Officials have not yet released additional information about Piccoli, and community members are expected to share memories and funeral arrangements in the coming days.
First Responders Injured
The fire also resulted in injuries to several first responders.
- Three firefighters were treated at the scene for minor injuries
- Two Middletown police officers were transported to Garnet Health Medical Center for treatment of smoke inhalation
All injuries were reported as non-life-threatening.
Incidents like this underscore the dangers faced by both firefighters and police officers, particularly during rapidly evolving residential fires where visibility, heat, and structural conditions can change in seconds.
Fire Brought Under Control
Crews were able to bring the fire under control in approximately one hour, though firefighters remained on scene until around 4 a.m. conducting overhaul operations and ensuring that no hidden fire remained.
Possible Cause Under Investigation
Preliminary findings indicate the fire may have been caused by an overloaded power strip, a common household hazard that can lead to electrical fires when devices draw more current than a strip or circuit can safely handle.
Officials stressed that the investigation remains ongoing, and a final determination has not yet been made.
A Reminder Close to Home
While the fire occurred in Middletown, its impact resonates across Orange County, where mutual aid systems and shared emergency services often connect communities, including Warwick, to incidents throughout the region.
Residential fires remain one of the most dangerous types of emergencies, particularly during overnight hours when occupants may be asleep and response time becomes critical.
Fire officials regularly advise residents to:
- Avoid overloading electrical outlets and power strips
- Ensure smoke detectors are working properly
- Have an emergency escape plan
Community Response Expected
As word of Piccoli’s death spreads, community members are expected to gather information about memorial services and ways to support his family.
The incident serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly tragedy can unfold — and of the risks taken daily by those who respond when emergencies strike.
The investigation into the fire remains ongoing.
