Frank Speziale photo

PLYMOUTH – An early morning house fire on Monday claimed the life of Plymouth Fire Chief Frank Fowlston, according to a release from the Chenango County Sheriff's Office Tuesday.

The fire occurred Monday morning in Fowlston's home at 108 County Road 21 in Plymouth and was reported to authorities around 2 a.m.

"The victim was discovered still inside the residence," said Chenango County Sheriff Patrol Lieutenant Richard Cobb. "The fire appeared to have started in the living room, and the cause is still under investigation."