Geneva, N.Y.-Neighbors say 50 year old Robert Ragin had been fixing up his home on Wadsworth Street in Geneva.
He and his wife recently put in a new patio in the backyard.
Ragin was alone in the home Sunday night when a fire started near the kitchen area.
Neighbors say it appeared that Ragin may have discovered the fire and tried to escaped, but was overcome by smoke. His body was found near a back door inside the home.
Fire investigators say he died of smoke inhalation. They are still investigating what caused the fatal fire.
Flames were shooting out of the back of the house when neighbors discovered the fire. They called 911. Raul Rodriguez says he heard popping sounds and saw the windows blow out of the back of the house.
His father pounded on the door to make sure no one was inside. When there was no answer, neighbors hoped that Ragin had gotten out.
Close friends say Ragin worked for 10 years at the former Seneca Army Depot in Romulus. They say he was friendly, helpful and very polite.
The Fire Chief says the fire appears to be accidental.
