Police identify man found dead in house fire in Camillus

One man was found dead in his home after a fire at 197 Mason Drive in the Town of Camillus on Nov. 19, 2025.Greta Stuckey

We’ll deliver breaking news directly to your inbox. Sign up today.

Camillus, N.Y. - Camillus police on Monday released the name of the man found dead inside a burning house last week.

The man is Michael T. Baxter, 66, said Capt. James Nightingale, a spokesperson for the Camillus Police Department.

Firefighters responded to 197 Mason Drive in the town of Camillus at 3:06 p.m. on Wednesday. The Onondaga County 911 Center reported there was heavy smoke coming from a front window and that someone was still inside.

The fire was contained to part of the first floor and was quickly put out, according to Camillus Police Chief Michael Schreyer. The home suffered minimal damage, he said.

Baxter had died before firefighters arrived, Schreyer said.

The investigation is being handled by fire investigators because Baxter’s death doesn’t appear to be criminal, Nightingale said.

Firefighters came to 197 Mason Drive for a small fire and found a man dead inside when they arrived.Greta Stuckey

Crime and public safety articles

X

Opt out of the sale or sharing of personal information

If you opt out, we won’t sell or share your personal information to inform the ads you see. You may still see interest-based ads if your information is sold or shared by other companies or was sold or shared previously.