State Police investigate a fatal structure fire in the town of Fremont

Press Release

On March 13, 2026, at approximately 5:31 p.m., New York State Troopers from the Narrowsburg barracks responded to a reported structure fire on Banaut Road in the Town of Fremont (corrected from Ulster)Sullivan County, New York.

The preliminary investigation determined that a passerby contacted emergency services after observing a residence on Banuat Road on fire. The individual attempted to approach the residence but retreated due to the intense heat. Nearby residents subsequently called 911.

Fire departments from multiple agencies responded to the scene, including the Callicoon Fire District, Jeffersonville Fire Department, Roscoe Rockland Fire Station, Callicoon Center Firehouse, Hortonville Fire Company, North Branch Volunteer Fire Company, Hankins Fire Department, and the Sullivan County Fire Department.

Upon arrival, troopers were advised that a resident might still be inside the single-family home. After the fire was extinguished, responders located a deceased male inside the residence.

The victim was identified as Dennis R. Banuat, age 77, of Roscoe, New York.

The preliminary investigation indicates the fire originated in the vicinity of a wood-burning stove. At this time, no evidence of criminal activity has been identified.

The investigation remains ongoing pending the results of a final fire analysis.

Sources: https://troopers.ny.gov/news/state-police-investigate-fatal-structure-fire-town-fremont