LERAY, NY — New York State Police and multiple fire departments responded to a report of smoke coming from a residence on State Route 283 on Jan. 21, 2026, at approximately 11:26 a.m.
Responders observed an active residential structure fire upon arrival.
After the fire was extinguished, one individual was located deceased within the remains of the structure.
Identification of the deceased is pending positive identification by the Medical Examiner’s Office.
The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.
Responding agencies included the New York State Police Watertown, Calcium Fire Department, Black River Ambulance, Black River Fire Department, Evans Mills Fire Department, North Pole Fire Department, Fort Drum Fire Department, Town of Watertown Fire Department, City of Watertown Fire Department, West Carthage Fire Department, Sackets Harbor Fire Department, Jefferson County Office of Fire and Emergency Management, New York State Department of Transportation, Jefferson County Highway Department, and National Grid.
