New York House Fire Leaves One Dead, Investigation Underway

I’ve covered a lot of house fires over the years, but some hit differently—especially when it’s a quiet town like Peru, New York, waking up to the smell of smoke and the loss of a neighbor.

Early Monday morning, around 4:30 a.m., a fire broke out at a home on Cayea Road in Clinton County. Crews from both the Peru and South Plattsburgh fire departments rushed to the scene. They had the flames under control within the hour. But by then, the damage was already done.

Inside the home, firefighters found the body of a man later identified as Scott Booth, a 50-year-old from Morrisonville. If you’re from the area, you might recognize the name—he owned Booth Rentals & Property Management, a landscaping and property business based in Plattsburgh.

What’s most heartbreaking is that Booth wasn’t just living there—he was actively remodeling the house. He was building something. Trying to improve it. And now he’s gone.

This isn’t just a story about flames and smoke. It’s about how fragile life becomes when fire safety takes a backseat—even for a moment.

Have you ever thought about what safety looks like during home renovations? Let’s dig into that next.

What Happened That Morning on Cayea Road?

I want you to imagine this: It’s still dark outside, barely 4:30 a.m., and silence covers most of Peru, New York. Suddenly, flames rip through a home on Cayea Road. That’s what happened Monday morning, according to NBC5, who first reported the incident.

Two departments—Peru and South Plattsburgh—responded fast. Within an hour, they had the fire knocked down. But inside the house, it was already too late.

That’s where they found Scott Booth. No cries for help. No chance to escape. Just the harsh silence that follows when the flames finally go out.

And if you’ve ever lived through a fire, or even smelled smoke outside your window, you know that kind of silence lingers long after the sirens stop.

Who Was Scott Booth — And Why His Death Feels Personal

Let me tell you what makes this story heavier than most. The man who died wasn’t just another name in a report. Scott Booth was 50 years old, from Morrisonville, and the owner of Booth Rentals & Property Management in Plattsburgh.

If you’re local, maybe you’ve driven by one of his landscaping crews. Maybe he even worked on a place you know.

He wasn’t just living in that home—he was remodeling it. According to one of his employees who spoke with NBC5, Scott had been working on the property himself. Fixing it up. Giving it new life.

That part really sticks with me. There’s something tragic about putting time, energy, and hope into a place—only to have it taken away in the blink of an eye. As someone who’s covered home improvement and safety for years, I can’t ignore the emotional weight that comes with that.

And maybe that’s why his death doesn’t just feel like news. It feels like a warning.

In some cases, like a recent apartment fire in New Kensington, follow-up inspections uncover broader safety gaps in the community.

What Investigators Are Saying About the Cause?

Now let’s get into what we know so far—and what we don’t.

State police say the fire has been ruled accidental. There’s no sign of foul play, no suspicious activity. That’s confirmed by the fire marshal and the Peru fire chief, who were both at the scene with investigators.

Still, there are questions. An autopsy was scheduled for Tuesday at Glens Falls Hospital. That’s standard, but it matters—because when someone dies in a fire, it’s not always the flames. Smoke inhalation, heat shock, electrical burns… all of these can be silent killers.

Right now, officials are doing the work. But we don’t have the final answers yet. And as much as I’d like to give you closure here, this is still unfolding.

If you’ve ever experienced a house fire or have thoughts on how investigations like this unfold, I’d really like to hear from you. Drop a comment below—your insights matter.

Remodeling and Fire Risk — What Most People Don’t Think About

If you’re fixing up your house right now—or thinking about it—I want you to hear this part carefully.

Booth was remodeling the property when the fire broke out. And while the cause hasn’t been made public in detail, I’ve seen enough cases to tell you: Renovation zones are fire traps waiting to happen if safety isn’t top of mind.

Think about it—temporary wiring, exposed insulation, flammable materials, and tools left plugged in overnight. These are common during DIY or pro-level home projects. But we don’t always treat them like the risks they are.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), home fires during renovations or construction are responsible for thousands of injuries and millions in damages every year. Most of them? Preventable.

So if you’re renovating—or even if your neighbor is—this isn’t the part to skip.

Check your smoke detectors. Kill the power when you leave the room. Don’t assume “it’ll be fine.” Because Scott probably thought the same.

By the way, I’ve been seeing a lot of helpful updates and fire safety reminders shared lately in a WhatsApp channel focused on home alerts. It’s worth checking out if you’re into real-time safety info.

What Happens Next in the Investigation?

Right now, we’re in that tough in-between space—where the worst has already happened, but the full picture isn’t clear yet.

Investigators are still digging into exactly what went wrong. The autopsy results from Glens Falls Hospital will likely offer more clarity in the coming days. Sometimes, those details help confirm the timeline—whether Booth was already overcome by smoke or if something structural failed inside the home.

There’s also a chance the fire marshal will follow up with a deeper safety report—especially since remodeling work was involved. That could include things like checking whether permits were in place or if building codes had been unintentionally violated.

I’ve seen it before: a missing smoke detector, faulty wiring, or even one space heater left running too long. Little things with irreversible consequences.

So if you’re wondering what happens next—it’s more waiting. More answers coming, hopefully soon. But it’s also a moment to ask what we can learn before another siren goes off down the street.

Similar heartbreak was felt recently in Raleigh, where a house fire killed a dog and left a family shaken. These stories don’t just damage homes—they change lives.

Fire Safety Reminders — Especially During Home Renovations

If you’re working on your home, or even living in a place under construction, I need you to treat this part seriously.

Here’s what I always recommend—based not just on reports like this, but hard stats from the NFPA and Red Cross:

• Unplug power tools when not in use—especially overnight.
• Don’t leave open wiring or exposed insulation around active spaces.
• Install working smoke alarms on every floor—even temporary living areas.
• Keep a fire extinguisher nearby during major DIY work.
• Never block exits, even with tools or stacked materials.

And one more: Don’t get casual just because you’re “in the middle” of a project. Fires don’t wait for the renovation to be done.

Scott Booth probably thought he was just another day closer to finishing that house. A fresh coat of paint. A new floor. Maybe planning to rent it out. That dream burned down with him.

If this makes even one person double-check their fire safety, his story won’t be for nothing.

We’ve seen how fast things can go wrong—even in homes that seem secure. Just look at this Bristol fire incident, where a blaze left the property severely damaged despite a swift response.

Let’s Not Move On Too Fast

This isn’t just a news update. It’s a reminder—for all of us.

Scott Booth’s death in this Buffalo-area house fire isn’t just about flames. It’s about how fast things can change. How one early morning can end in tragedy even when you’re doing something as hopeful as rebuilding a home.

If you’ve ever thought, “It won’t happen to me”, this is your wake-up call. Fires don’t discriminate. And safety isn’t just about following rules—it’s about protecting futures.

You don’t need to panic. But you do need to care—before you’re the next story I have to write.

Want to stay updated on real-life home safety stories and fire incidents across the country? Explore more on Build Like New’s Home Incidents section.

Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information from news sources and official reports as of the date of writing. Details may change as the investigation continues. Always refer to local authorities for the most up-to-date updates.