Staff Report / April 2, 2026
Dryden NY – A fast-moving house fire in Tompkins County claimed the lives of three people, including a young child, and left another person hospitalized, according to local authorities.
Emergency crews were dispatched around 10 a.m. on April 1 to a residence along Cortland Road in the Town of Dryden. When firefighters arrived, the home was already fully engulfed in flames, leaving little chance for those inside to escape.
Investigators later confirmed that three individuals died in the blaze: 30-year-old Christy Oralls, 31-year-old Katherine Gray, and 3-year-old Paisley Wood. Officials said Oralls and Paisley were mother and daughter, while Gray was a visiting relative.
A fourth occupant, identified as 54-year-old David Welch, was rescued and transported to a regional hospital, where he is reported to be in stable condition.
Authorities believe the victims may have been trapped inside as the fire rapidly intensified. First responders remained at the scene for hours, working to extinguish the flames and secure the structure for further investigation.
The fire also prompted road closures along State Route 13 as emergency crews managed the scene and ensured public safety.
Officials say the cause of the fire remains under investigation. Due to the extent of the damage, investigators have had to wait until conditions are safe before conducting a full examination of the property.
Additional details, including what may have sparked the blaze, are expected to be released as the investigation continues.
