By RICK MILLER
Olean Star
OLEAN — Olean Police investigators today announced an arrest today in the death of a woman who died in a fire at a home on North Ninth Street Monday.
The body of Carole Landrau, 76, of 137 N. Ninth St., was removed from her second-floor residence soon after the fire was extinguished about 6 p.m., Olean Police reported.
Police Crime Unit investigators, working with fire investigators, determined the fire to be the result of arson.
Olean City firefighters responded to a report of a structure fire at 137 N. 9th St. at 5:31 p.m. Monday, responding three minutes later. Olean Police also responded to the location to assist.
It was determined that a woman was still inside her upper apartment at the time of the fire. Neighbors told investigators they heard her screams.
After Firefighters extinguished the fire and entry was made, Landrau was found inside the apartment deceased. The police Criminal Investigation Unit responded to this location and working with Fire Investigators determined the fire to be a result of arson.
Diane M. Casciani, 42, who was staying with Landrau at the time, was interviewed and later arrested on charges of criminally negligent homicide, second degree arson and first-degree reckless endangerment, all felonies.
She was transported to the Cattaraugus County Jail in Little Valley to await further court proceedings.
A male resident was also injured during the fire who was taken to Olean General where he was treated and released for burns, police said. The investigation is continuing.
Olean Fire Chief Eric Maurouard said the report of a structure fire on North Ninth Street came in at 5:31 p.m.
When firefighters arrived three minutes later, they found smoke coming from second floor windows of the two-story house.
“One crew conducted a search for possible victims, while a second crew stretched a hose line and began extinguishment,” Maurouard said. The fire was declared under control at 6 p.m.
“Tragically, one civilian died as a result of the fire,” the fire chief said. “One firefighter was treated for overexertion at the scene. The cause of the fire is under investigation.”
The City of Olean Fire Department was assisted by Olean Police, New York State troopers, Trans Am Ambulance, Allegany Fire Department, Portville Fire Department, the Town of Olean Fire Department, and the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control.
Extra personnel were needed on scene due to the heat index. Maurouard said.
Hinsdale Fire Department, Weston Mills Fire Department, and Allegany EMS were on standby for the city during the fire.
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