4 dead, including multiple teens, in Cattaraugus County house fire

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Four people are dead following a house fire early Friday morning in Cattaraugus County, and authorities continued to search the residence for other occupants, New York State Police public information officer James O’Callaghan said in a news conference.

Troopers responded around 4 a.m. to 3825 Creek Rd. in the Town of Yorkshire for a report of a fire at a single-family, two-story residence. Police worked with multiple fire departments to control the blaze, which O’Callaghan said is believed to have started in the kitchen. The fire left the residence “significantly damaged,” and it was “fully engulfed” at one point.

The names of the victims are not currently being released until a medical examiner can go through the evidence, but O’Callaghan confirmed there were multiple “teen fatalities” and that those who died were related. Police said the last name of the family that resided in the home was Cook.

“This is a heavy loss for an area like this,” O’Callaghan said. “Small town, everyone kind of knows everybody. When something like this happens, it’s very tragic, but it’s at a moment like this where everyone really has to pull together.”

As crews continue to search the residence for other occupants, O’Callaghan said he does not believe there could be any living survivors due to the severity of the fire.

One person from the Cook family was able to make it out of the fire and is in good health, according to O’Callaghan.

“You’re talking an entire family loss of life,” O’Callaghan said.

New York State Police are working with the Pioneer Central School District as at least one of those killed attended a school within the district. The school’s crisis response team has been activated and will support any students, staff or community members affected by the fire. Additionally, counselors are available throughout the district to provide emotional support.

Pioneer Schools Superintendent Nicholas Sivaroli confirmed in a statement Friday that the Cook family was a part of the district.

“Our hearts go out to the Cook family, and we encourage everyone to lean on each other during this difficult time,” Sivaroli said. “The strength of our community lies in our ability to come together and offer support, especially in moments of such great sadness.”

An investigation into the fire is ongoing.

You can view O’Callaghan’s full news conference on the fire below.

This is a developing story, check back for updates.

Adam Gorski is a Buffalo native who joined the WIVB News 4 team in 2022. You can find more of his work here .