Jan. 11--A Town of Tonawanda man was found dead in the bedroom of an upper floor apartment after a fire broke out this morning in his living room, police and fire officials said.
The victim, identified as Randall Gala, 52, was found in the bedroom.
Neighbors reported smoke coming from the second floor of an apartment unit on Rosemont Avenue at about 9:31 a.m.
First on the scene were Sheridan Park Fire Captain Brett Rider and two employees from the Town of Tonawanda Water Department, who were told there might be someone trapped in the apartment.
"We tried to make entry but we were pushed back by the heat and smoke," Rider said.
Sheridan Park and Brighton firefighters soon arrived and doused the flames.
Town police and firefighters helped evacuate other residents of the apartment complex safely.
One firefighter suffered a minor injury but was well enough to remain on duty.
Other fire companies who assisted included the Kenmore Fire Department and the City of Tonawanda Fire District.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Damage to the building was estimated at $15,000. The incident caused some damage to the ceiling and carpeting of the apartment unit below the fire, Rider said.
Copyright 2012 - The Buffalo News, N.Y.
