Fatal fire under investigation

Goshen. Father and two sons died in house fire.

| 02 Jun 2025 | 09:26

    The state police’s Monroe Bureau of Criminal Investigation is leading the investigation into a fatal fire on Saturday, May 31, on Pulaski Highway in Goshen.

    State troopers, along with the Town of Goshen Police Department and several fire departments and EMS agencies from Orange County, responded to the scene at 8:11 p.m., according to a press release prepared by the state police public information office.

    The fire engulfed the two-family house at 876 Pulaski Highway, the release said. When fire personnel entered they found Shane Munn, 50, and two boys, aged 12 and 17. Munn was determined to be dead on the premises. The boys were transported to Garnett Health Medical Center in Walkill where they both succumbed to their injuries.

    The owner of the house, John Porcaro, told News 12 Hudson Valley the boys were Munn’s sons and they were both disabled. He also said Munn kept the property in good shape.

    Porcaro said he believes the fire started in the kitchen.

    He said the other tenant in the house and her two small children went to a hotel Saturday night. The mother was recently widowed, he added.

    Neighbors were leaving a memorial near the house by Sunday.

    Assisting in the investigation are the Orange County Fire Investigation Unit and the Hudson Valley Arson and Explosives Task Force. A Goshen police spokeswoman said Monday morning the local department is not participating in the investigation since it is in the hands of the state police.

    Also providing asstance were: fire departments from Goshen, Florida, Pine Island, Warwick, Slate Hill, Chester, Johnson and Unionville, the Orange County Fire Coordinators, Orange County Department of Emergency Services, Orange County Medical Examiners Office, Goshen EMS, Warwick EMS, Wawayanda EMS and the American Red Cross.
    In a statement released Monday afternoon, Goshen police chief James Post praised the courageous response from volunteer firefighters and EMS professionals.
    In a press release from the department, he noted , “As we mourn the loss of three souls, we also pause to recognize the heroism and dedication of our local fire departments and emergency medical services personnel. Risking their own safety, these responders entered the burning home in an effort to save lives. Despite the outcome, their actions reflect an unshakable commitment to duty and community.”
    Post also said: ”Our volunteer firefighters and EMS did everything humanly possible to rescue those inside.They showed incredible bravery in conditions that were nearly impossib!e. Their efforts, though the outcome was tragic, were nothing short of heroic.”