(WNY News Now) – An 82-year-old Wheatfield resident tragically lost her life in a structure fire on Baisch Drive late Friday night, with the cause of the blaze still under investigation.

Wheatfield, NY — A devastating house fire claimed the life of an 82-year-old woman late Friday night, January 10, 2025. The Niagara County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center received a 911 call at 11:47 p.m., reporting heavy smoke and flames at 3992 Baisch Drive.

Niagara County Sheriff’s Deputies and a North Tonawanda Police Officer were first to arrive on the scene and confirmed an active structure fire. Despite efforts to enter the home, officers were unable to proceed due to the intense smoke and flames.

Firefighters from Adams, St. Johnsburg, Bergholz, Shawnee Volunteer Fire Companies, and the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Fire Department arrived shortly thereafter. Upon entry, they located the elderly woman on the first floor of the home and immediately attempted life-saving measures. Tragically, she succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The woman’s identity is being withheld pending notification of her family. The extent of property damage is yet to be determined.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Niagara County Fire Investigation Unit.