Holmes Man and His Dog Perish in House Fire

Lake Carmel Assistant Fire Chief Shawn Madsen arrived on the scene to a ball of fire minutes after a report was received that a home was ablaze in a remote section of Route 52 at the Putnam- Dutchess line. The chief became alarmed since a vehicle was parked in the driveway of the residence and the time was 2am.

Lake Carmel firefighters arrived minutes later and summoned mutual aid from the Carmel, Patterson, Kent, Brewster, and East Fishkill Fire Departments.

After firefighters knocked down the flames in single-digit cold and began to overhaul the interior of the two story structure, they found the charred remains of Kevin Murphy, 58, and his dog.

While Kent Police received the initial report of the fire from a passing motorist on I-84, the home was actually in Dutchess County and as a result the East Fishkill Police Department conducted the investigation.

Lt. Douglas Lucy told the COURIeR that Murphy lived alone with the dog: “His body was found in the kitchen of the house under a pile of debris. I guess the poor man was trying to escape the inferno when he was overcome by smoke.”

An autopsy performed by Dutchess County Medical Examiner Dr. Kari Reiber found that Murphy died from smoke inhalation and thermal injuries.

Lt. Lucy said the cause of the fire appeared to be centered in one of several space heaters being used at the time: “It was accidental and we don’t suspect foul play at all.”

Murphy was employed at the Walmart in Fishkill. After interviewing neighbors and co-workers, the lieutenant described Murphy as a “hard-working guy who basically kept to himself.”

Also assisting at the scene last Wednesday morning were members of the Lake Carmel FD Fire Police Team and Putnam County Deputy Emergency Coordinator Doug Casey.