Bensalem fire officials are investigating what caused a fire that killed an elderly Bensalem man and his pets, before it apparently put itself out.
The Bucks County Coroner’s Office confirmed Thursday an autopsy determined that 77-year-old Allan Schoppy died of smoke and soot inhalation and ruled his death as accidental.
Bensalem Fire Rescue responded to a report of a house fire in the 3000 block of Gilbert Drive on Tuesday Oct. 14 shortly before 2 p.m.
But when firefighters arrived at the home, they did not see any smoke or fire, according to a post on Crimewatch. But they did notice dark soot on the interior of the home’s windows.
Bensalem Fire Rescue company is investigating a fire in the 300 block of Gilbert Drive that killed an elderly man and his pets overnight Tuesday Oct. 14, 2025.
When they entered through the front door of the home, they found Schoppy dead in a living room chair. His pet dog and cat were also found dead in the home.
A preliminary investigation determined that the fire appears to have happened overnight and self-extinguished, according to the post. The cause of the fire has not been determined, but it does not appear to be suspicious the post said.
On Thursday Bensalem Fire Chief Mark Antozzeski said the fire remains under investigation and declined further comment.
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(This story has been updated to add new information.)
Reporter Jo Ciavaglia can be reached at jciavaglia@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Bensalem fire kills man, pets, but firefighters didn’t put it out