Overview
- The December 4 blaze erupted at 241 Western Avenue and spread to the adjoining building at 239 Western Avenue.
- Firefighters and police pulled four adults from the residence, with two later transferred to a regional burn center for specialized care.
- The deceased was identified by relatives as Sahaja Reddy Udumala, 24, after police reported that a female victim had succumbed to injuries.
- New York State fire investigators have joined the inquiry into the undetermined cause, and the fire chief described confronting a “wall of fire” worsened by strong winds; a dog was rescued.
- The Consulate General of India said it is assisting the family, community groups are arranging to return Udumala’s remains to Hyderabad, and the American Red Cross is helping 13 displaced residents including University at Albany students.