A fatal house fire in the Town of Dryden has claimed the lives of three people, including a young child, and prompted an outpouring of support from the local school district.
According to the Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office, the fire was reported around 10:00 a.m. Wednesday at a home in the 300 block of Cortland Road. When emergency crews arrived, the residence was fully engulfed in flames.
Authorities say 30-year-old Christy Oralls, her 3-year-old daughter Paisley Wood, and 31-year-old Katherine Gray were killed in the fire. Officials said Gray was visiting the home at the time. A fourth resident, 54-year-old David Welch, was transported to a hospital and is listed in stable condition.
Investigators believe multiple people were inside the home at the time of the fire and may not have been able to escape. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
State Route 13 was temporarily closed between Dutcher Road and Gulf Hill Road as emergency responders worked at the scene. Crews remained on location for several hours as the fire was brought under control and the investigation began.
In a message to the community, Dryden Central School District Superintendent Joshua Bacigalupi expressed condolences and emphasized support for those affected.
“Like many others in the community, we are saddened by the loss of three community members,” Bacigalupi said. “While no Dryden Central School District student’s life was taken during the fire, this loss deeply affects our district.”
District officials said counseling services and support staff will be available to help students process the tragedy when classes resume following spring break. Families are encouraged to speak with their children and utilize mental health resources provided by the district.
School officials also asked the community to respect the privacy of the family during this difficult time.
The sheriff’s office says more information will be released as the investigation continues.
