Arson investigators probe deadly Yonkers blaze

One firefighter was killed and two others were injured after jumping from the third floor of a burning house in Yonkers. Officials say the blaze that broke out at around 1 a.m. Friday at 148 Waverly

News 12 Staff

Oct 3, 2009, 12:21 AM

Updated 5,411 days ago

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One firefighter was killed and two others were injured after jumping from the third floor of a burning house in Yonkers.
Officials say the blaze that broke out at around 1 a.m. Friday at 148 Waverly St. trapped 39-year-old Patrick Joyce and forced him to jump nearly 30 feet to his death.
Sources say Joyce suffered a massive injury and was possibly impaled by an object on his way down. The 16-year veteran of the fire department leaves behind a wife and three daughters.
Firefighter William Kanych and Lt. Joseph Murray, who also took the leap to escape the intense heat, sustained second-degree burns, a broken ankle and a broken rib. They are listed in serious but stable condition at Jacobi Medical Center.
Fire officials say a rescue rope was found hanging outside the window of the house, but it's unknown if any of the firefighters attempted to use it.
Investigators say arson is suspected since the fire started on the first floor in multiple areas of the home.
The wake for Joyce is scheduled for Monday, and he will be laid to rest Tuesday.
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For press conference about Yonkers firefighter killed on duty, go to your digital cable box and select iO Extra on Ch. 612.


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