If you've ever been involved in a fire in any way, it's not only devasting because of the loss of personal belongings but emotionally devastating as well, especially when there's a loss of life. That's the kind of tragedy that struck Monday morning in the historic Village of Gilbertsville when residents lost one of their own to a house fire.

According to New York State Police, they were called to the residence of 64-year-old Lucinda L. Dubben at 22 Maple Street in Gilbertsville because of a 911 report of a fire at her home. Also called to the scene The Gilbertsville Volunteer Fire Department, along with fire crews from New Berlin, Morris, Otego, West Laurens, Sidney, Wells Bridge, and West Oneonta.

via Google Maps, satellite view
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Firefighters were not able to save Dubben who was found deceased inside her home. State police say that foul play is not suspected. The cause of the fire is not yet known but is under investigation.

Thankfully, fire fatalities are rare but even one death is one too many. The last time Otsego County experienced a death from a fire was in November of 2021 when a travel trailer in the Town of Cherry Valley caught fire and took the life of 58-year-old Ellen A. Cantrell who was trapped inside.

The best thing a person can do to avoid such a deadly situation like a fire at their residence is preventative measures - the biggest being proper smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors and changing out batteries (if applicable) twice a year.

Learn more about fire safety tips from The New York State Department of Health.

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