Roger Saile, 90, the lone occupant of a residence at 8056 Oak Orchard Road, died as a result of a fire in his house this morning.
The fire was reported by a truck driver passing by the residence at about 5:25 a.m.
The cause of the fire is under investigation by State Police, Town of Batavia fire and Genesee County Emergency Services.
Firefighters from the town arrived on scene quickly after the fire was reported.
"We had a quick arrival and an initial attack of two engines, a ladder and a rescue," said Assistant Chief Dan Coffey. "We were able to get in their and get a good initial attack and search going."
Saile was deceased when he was found inside the residence.
After the fire was out, during what firefighters call "overhaul," one volunteer firefighter was under a ceiling when it collapsed. The firefighter was not seriously injured and was transported to UMMC for evaluation.
Crews were on scene from Town of Batavia, Elba, Oakfield, Stafford and the City of Batavia.
A neighbor described Saile as "a good man."
Michelle Gerold said sons Christian and Daniel would visit with him, and when he passed by their house he would toot his horn and wave and they often ran into him at one of his favorite restaurants, Sport of Kings.
He was always full of stories about his life.
"We would hear about the old days when we would see him out at a restaurant," she said. "He was overall such a nice man. We're so sad. His stories of his house, his stories of his life and how it used to be when he was growing up on a farm; he would tell us about his old vehicles. His stories just made us know he was a good person, a good individual. I loved him, my sons loved him, my husband loved him. It just breaks our hearts that he's gone now."
Always saw Roger driving
Always saw Roger driving around Batavia in his Ford pickup,and whatever restaurant he was at,waitresses always talked to him and knew his order. He will be missed by many....