Newburgh man killed in house fire on farm

Police got a 911 call for help around 9:30 p.m. and say when they arrived four family members were out of the house, while the victim was trapped inside.

Blaise Gomez

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Nov 9, 2022, 5:48 PM

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Updated 778 days ago

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News 12 is learning more about a fatal house fire at a farm in Orange County that claimed the life of a 64-year-old father.

Michael Gida lived at 25 Babes Lane with his family. Their home went up in flames Tuesday night.

Police got a 911 call for help around 9:30 p.m. and say when they arrived four family members were out of the house, while the victim was trapped inside.

Authorities say the top floor of the town of Newburgh house was full of smoke and flames.

By the time they could get Gida out of his bedroom, rescuers say it was too late.

Neighbors say the house is a rental on a working farm called SGRO farm.

“An elderly lady owns it, and she leases the land to another guy who grows apples and tomatoes, all kinds of vegetables,” said Steve Mastrantuono.

News 12 tried to reach someone at the main house on the property, but no one answered.

Gida’s daughter, Katie, set up a GoFundMe for her dad’s funeral expenses that’s already raised thousands of dollars.

Authorities say two of the family members that escaped the fire were taken to the hospital with minor injuries.

The house is badly damaged. It doesn’t look like Gida’s family can return home.

Police say the fire does not seem suspicious, but the cause is under investigation.

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