Yulan, NY —Preliminary findings indicate that electric space heaters may have sparked an early-morning fire that killed two people in a Yulan apartment last week, the New York State Police said.
The blaze broke out around 2:33 a.m. on February 12, 2026, at 10 Rustic Inn Lane, Apartment 3 in the hamlet of Yulan, Town of Highland in Sullivan County. Troopers from State Police Liberty and the Liberty Bureau of Criminal Investigation responded after Sullivan County 911 reported two apparent fatalities inside the residence.
Fire departments from Sparrowbush, Yulan, Narrowsburg, Lava, and the City of Port Jervis battled the fire.
The victims were identified as George L. Argento, 65, of Brooklyn, and Yerim Goh, 62, of Yulan. Both were found inside a first-floor room and pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators said the fire originated in the northwest corner of the apartment. Several electric space heaters were observed inside the residence, which is part of a three-apartment building.
An autopsy performed February 14 at Garnet Health Medical Center – Catskills determined that both victims died from smoke inhalation and thermal burns. Authorities said the deaths are not considered suspicious.
Investigators interviewed residents of adjoining apartments and canvassed the neighborhood. No evidence of criminal activity has been found, but the investigation continues pending final fire analysis.
The New York State Police were assisted by local fire departments, the Sullivan County Coroner’s Office, and the Sullivan County Fire Investigation Unit.
Image Credit: Yulan Fire Department