Rochester firefighters are investigating what sparked a fatal fire on Langham Street. Shortly after 7 a.m. crews arrived to a scene of heavy smoke billowing from the home.

Firefighters confirmed a woman was found dead inside. Crews say they struggled to get inside the home due to extreme hoarding conditions.

“Unfortunately because of the conditions inside the house, the heavy smoke and the packed conditions inside the house, we had difficulty locating the person until the extinguishment was complete,” said Rochester Fire Department Battalion Chief Patrick Agostinelli.

 

 

 

The family identified the woman as 61-year-old Gwen Warney, pictured above with her husband Michael.

Relatives were not ready to speak on camera but described Gwen as a kind, loving grandmother of three, who enjoyed spoiling her grandkids.

The medical examiner is working on an official cause of death.

“Our prayers go out to the family. It’s always a devastating situation when Rochester Fire Department responds and we have a loss of life for a fire,” said Rochester Fire Department Chief Willie Jackson.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but officials do not believe it is suspicious.

 

 

 Gwen's husband Michael lost everything in the blaze. Family members are now rasing money to support to help him get back on his feet. If you'd like to make a donation, click here.