Woman and five dogs killed in early morning house fire

SAUGERTIES―A woman and five dogs perished in a Thursday morning house fire in Saugerties.

It was around 3:32 a.m. that Ulster County 911 received a report of a residential structure fire at 638 Route 212, a multi-occupant residence. The caller also told dispatchers that one resident might still be trapped inside.

Upon arrival, the Centerville Fire Company requested assistance from the Glasco Fire Department’s FAST (Firefighter Assist and Search Team).

According to a joint statement from the Saugerties Police Department and Centerville Fire Department, a 48-year-old Li-Anne M. Gableman was located on the second floor and had succumbed to the fire.

Five dogs of various breeds were also killed in the blaze.

“With the assistance of neighboring fire departments, the fire was contained and overhaul operations began within the first 30 minutes. Due to significant structural damage sustained during the fire, emergency operations and the cause-and-origin investigation were temporarily halted,” officials reported.

Fire and police units remained on scene until approximately 12:38 p.m.

The cause of the fire remains under joint investigation by the Saugerties Police Department and the Ulster County Fire Investigation Unit.

Seven other residents of the building are currently being assisted by the American Red Cross.

The Centerville Fire Department was assisted at the scene by the Glasco Fire Department, Mount Marion Fire Department, Ulster Hose Fire Department, Saugerties Fire Department, Diaz Ambulance, Saugerties Police Department, Ulster County Fire Investigation Unit, Ulster County ASPCA, Ulster County Medical Examiner’s Office and Dutchess County Special Operations Team.