SHICKSHINNY — A 70-year-old man and several animals lost their lives early Saturday morning in a devastating house fire along Route 11, officials confirmed.
Luzerne County Coroner Dion Fernandes identified the victim as Kenneth Ritchotte. His wife, Betty, managed to escape the blaze with assistance after flames erupted around 3:45 a.m.
Fire crews arriving at the scene were met with heavy fire conditions and conflicting reports about whether anyone was trapped inside, according to Stanley Helstowski, deputy chief of Mocanaqua Volunteer Fire Co. No. 1.
Witnesses initially told responders they believed Ritchotte had made it out, but he reentered the home to try to save animals still inside, Helstowski said.
Firefighters attempted to search the burning home but were forced to retreat when conditions rapidly deteriorated. Once the fire was brought under control, crews discovered Ritchotte deceased inside.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by a Pennsylvania State Police fire marshal, Fernandes said.