Fire Ruled Accidental In Fatal Rochester Fire, Victim Identified
By CHRIS SAILORS
Fulton County Sheriff
ROCHESTER — An early morning fire today, Monday, April 25, claimed the life of a Fulton County man, who has been identified as Charles Fruitt, 61. The preliminary cause of death is attributed to smoke inhalation. An autopsy has been scheduled for Tuesday, April 26, in Rochester.
The cause of the fire has been ruled accidental with the preliminary cause ruled as electrical in nature. More specifics will be released as the investigation is concluded.
At 4:33 am a call came in to Fulton County dispatch concerning a residential fire located at 4058 E. 700 N., Rochester, and a male subject still inside the residence.
Mentone, Rochester and Henry Township Fire departments were dispatched to the address along with Lutheran EMS and Fulton County Sheriffs Deputies. Deputies arrived at the residence within 7-8 minutes of the original call and prior to fire personnel arrival. They attempted to make entry into the residence but was forced back due to smoke and fire.
Another occupant of the residence, Paula Fruitt, was able to get out of the burning structure through a bedroom window. Mrs. Fruitt did not suffer any injuries that required medical treatment.
A death investigation was initiated by the Sheriffs Department and in conjunction with the Fire
Departments and the Indiana State Fire Marshall’s fire investigation.
The couple also lost two of their three dogs in the fire.
Assisting the Fulton County Sheriff’s Department is the Rochester Fire Department, Mentone Fire Department, Henry Township Fire Department, Lutheran EMS and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, Fulton County Coroner and Fulton County 911 Dispatch.