Photo: Stefani_Ecknig / iStock / Getty Images
The cause of a deadly fire in Catskill has been determined as improper disposal of smoking materials. The fire, which occurred on February 23, claimed the life of 68-year-old Mumtaz Ahmad, who lived in the basement apartment of a building on Main Street. According to investigators, the blaze started in the northeast corner of a bedroom due to smoking materials left unattended. The intense flames caused the first floor to partially collapse and damaged two nearby structures.
Firefighters responded to the scene around 6:20 p.m., battling to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to adjacent buildings. Despite their efforts, the fire resulted in significant damage to the property. Catskill Fire Chief Ed Dolan stated that the building housed three apartments, but only the basement unit was occupied at the time of the fire.
The family of Mumtaz Ahmad expressed their devastation and financial burden following the tragedy. Ahmad's daughter, Shama Perveen, shared in a fundraising plea that the family was "devastated beyond words." The investigation into the fire's cause was conducted by the Catskill Police Department, which confirmed the findings in a preliminary report.