SHICKSHINNY, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — The fire chief explains a man died in a fire after he went back to save two cats from his burning home.
Crews were called to 80 South Main Street in Shickshinny around 4:00 a.m. for reports of a shed fire, according to the Mocanaqua Volunteer Fire Company.
The fire was under control after two hours with help from multiple fire departments.
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Luzerne County Coroner Dion Fernandes stated 70-year-old Kenneth Ritchotte and his wife were inside when the fire started.
The wife made it out of the home; however, Ritchotte died after he went back inside to save two cats, and he was not able to escape, Fire Chief Stephen McDaniels of Mocanaqua Volunteer Fire Company explained.
The fire has been ruled as accidental due to an electrical issue.
