Although the investigation into the cause of the fatal fire on Lakeview Avenue is ongoing, sources close to the investigation say that it appears as if foul play was not a factor.
Around 5:42 p.m. Tuesday, the Jamestown Fire Department was called to 4 Lakeview Ave., and upon arrival, heavy flames were seen coming from the front of the house. Due to the age of the house and the type of construction build, flames quickly spread to the upper floors and continued burning for hours, despite the amount of water being thrown at them.
More than an hour into the firefight, 47-year-old Paul T. Kennedy was found dead inside a second-floor apartment, after city firefighters were told that everyone made it out safely. Investigators have determined that the fire began in a kitchen on the first floor of the eight-apartment building, but they are still unsure what exactly sparked the blaze.
"The investigation is still going on mainly because interviews take time," said Battalion Chief Bill Johnston. "We aren't going to rush this - it will take as long as it takes."
Johnston said whenever someone is found deceased inside a burning home, investigators treat the situation as if a crime did indeed occur, just to play it safe.
"We would rather take the extra precautions at the time than have to try and backtrack later," he said. "It tends to be easier on the family this way."
Kennedy was employed through The Resource Center's work program on Jones & Gifford Avenue for many years, consistently for the past three years. He was employed through Allied Industries, TRC's manufacturing and employment division, which provides work for people with disabilities by subcontracting with local businesses.
At TRC, Kennedy worked on assembling boxes for companies such as Jamestown Container Corporation, Trinity Bio-Tech and Zippo. He was described by his co-workers as a quiet man who always attended work, and "will be missed by many people."
"Paul really enjoyed working and always stayed at work according to his schedule," a representative of TRC said. "He took a lot of pride in his work at The Resource Center."
Kennedy left behind a brother, two sisters and several nieces and nephews. His funeral is scheduled to take place today at 1 p.m. in the Lind Funeral Home with burial in Sunset Hill Cemetery.
The house, owned by Harold Whitford and Brenda Strausser's limited-liability corporation Royal Housing, may be demolished, based on the findings of the homeowners and the insurance company. An official with the city Department of Development previously told The Post-Journal that the third floor of the building, which contained at least two apartments, was posted not to be occupied and vacant at the time of the fire. Royal Housing LLC is listed on the city assessor's website as owning/managing at least 23 other buildings in the city.
It is believed that none of the tenants had renter's insurance and lost everything they owned. They are being assisted by the Chautauqua County chapter of the American Red Cross.
