MALONE - A 52-year-old Malone man died as the result of a suspicious Friday afternoon fire on the Valley Road .

“The call came in from a couple people driving by,” Malone Fire Chief Brian Gokey said.

Malone Callfiremen and EMS along with the Constable Volunteer Fire Department responded to the call at 2:07 p.m. Friday. The Burke Volunteer Fire Department responded with mutual aid at 2:12 p.m. while Bangor mutual aid came at 2:29 p.m.

Also on scene were the Franklin County Cause and Origin team, Fire Coordinator Ricky Provost and his deputies, along with the county Fire Police.

Mr. Gokey noted smoke and flames were visible when firefighters arrived at the trailer. He added that officials “made an excellent knock down” of the fire.

The trailer was home to James E. Andrews, 52. New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation Investigator Donald Martin said an autopsy determined the home’s resident died as a result of asphyxiation from exposure to the blaze.

Mr. Andrews’ obituary said that he was dead when he arrived at Alice Hyde Medical Center.

The BCI investigator noted state police consider the fire suspicious at this time.

“The investigation is ongoing,” Mr. Martin said, adding that fire investigators are involved.

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