Victim in Saturday house fire in Milton identified as elderly woman

MILTON - The victim of a house fire that broke out Saturday morning on Wiley Road has been identified as a 70-year-old Milton woman.
Lenda A. Jennings-Routier fell victim to smoke inhalation, and the manner of death was accidental, according to the state's Medical Examiners Office.
Police and fire got involved around 8:45 a.m. on Saturday after a 911 call alerted them to a fire at 285 Willey Road. The person who called 911 who had been inside the house when the fire started reported that another occupant was trapped inside, according to a Dept. of Safety release sent Saturday evening.
Responders prepared to enter the fully involved two-story house, but before they could the second floor collapsed rendering the home unsafe to enter, authorities say.
Fire officials noted that when crews arrived on scene they had difficulty accessing the home because the driveway leading to it had not been cleared of snow. After the fire was extinguished, investigators and fire personnel located a deceased person inside the home.

Officials would like to remind everyone that if there is a fire in a home, it is crucial to get out and stay out. Additionally, keep driveways and walkways cleared of snow and ice to allow first responders easy access in case of an emergency.