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State Fire Marshal's Office

Woman Charged With Arson In Chicopee Fire That Left 12 Homeless: Investigators Woman Charged With Arson In Chicopee Fire That Left 12 Homeless: Investigators
Woman Charged With Arson In Chicopee Fire That Left 12 Homeless: Investigators Twelve people are without homes after a fire tore through a Western Massachusetts apartment building earlier this week, and now, officials say it was no accident. Michelle Hall, 40, of Chicopee, was arrested and charged with arson of a dwelling, according to the State Fire Marshal's Office.  The three-alarm blaze broke out just after 3:30 a.m. at 26 Belcher Street on Sunday, June 1. When firefighters arrived, flames were pouring from the three-story multi-family building. Crews rushed inside to rescue anyone still trapped. All 12 people inside escaped without injury, officials said. F…
Man Dies In Hanson Car Fire, Authorities Investigating Cause Of Blaze Man Dies In Hanson Car Fire, Authorities Investigating Cause Of Blaze
Man Dies In Hanson Car Fire, Authorities Investigating Cause Of Blaze Fire investigators are looking into a car fire that left a man dead early Monday, March 31. The blaze was reported around 3 a.m. on Union Street in Hanson, according to the Massachusetts Fire Marshal’s Office. When crews arrived, a 2012 Chevrolet Impala was already on fire, with the engine compartment fully engulfed in flames. Firefighters rescued a man from the vehicle and immediately began life-saving efforts. He was rushed to a local hospital by paramedics, but was later pronounced dead by medical staff. Authorities have not yet released the man’s name. The Office of the Chief Medical …
Gloucester Market Basket Employee Accused Of Setting 2 Fires In Store: State Gloucester Market Basket Employee Accused Of Setting 2 Fires In Store: State
Gloucester Market Basket Employee Accused Of Setting 2 Fires In Store: State Take this job and burn it. That’s what fire officials say a Market Basket employee did last week when he allegedly set two blazes at a grocery store. Matthew Johnson, 35, faces two counts each of burning personal property and attempted arson for allegedly setting two fires at a Market Basket located at 101 Gloucester Crossing Road in Gloucester, according to the State Fire Marshal's Office. Firefighters responded to the scene around 8:20 p.m. on Friday, March 14, and discovered blazes in the stockroom and inside a cardboard compactor, officials said. Crews had both fires under control by 9 …
Fatal Chicopee Fire Kills 1, Displaces 7 Others Fatal Chicopee Fire Kills 1, Displaces 7 Others
Fatal Chicopee Fire Kills 1, Displaces 7 Others A deadly fire in Western Massachusetts this week claimed the life of one person and left seven others without shelter.  The fire broke out at a multifamily house on the corner of Artisan and Chicopee streets in Chicopee on Tuesday, March 11, around 4 p.m., the State Fire Marshal's Office said.  When Chicopee firefighters arrived at the scene, they were told one person had escaped the flames, but an adult who had remained inside to try and contain the blaze had died.  That person's name has not been released as of Tuesday night.  The cause of the blaze is under investig…
Body Of Woman Found After Fire Rips Through Wooded Area In Somerville Body Of Woman Found After Fire Rips Through Wooded Area In Somerville
Body Of Woman Found After Fire Rips Through Wooded Area In Somerville Authorities have opened an investigation after a woman's body was found among the remains of a fire in a wooded area in Somerville, officials said. The fire was reported just after 4 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 19, and quickly consumed a small encampment off Alewife Brook Parkway and Broadway, the State Fire Marshal's Office said. Firefighters arrived to find intense flames fueled by piled wood and debris. Crews quickly extinguished the fire but remained on the scene for hours to address hot spots and smoldering piles. During their efforts, firefighters discovered the woman's body. Her identity…
From Recycling Dream to Environmental Nightmare: Maryland Man Gets Jail Time For Tire Dump: AG From Recycling Dream to Environmental Nightmare: Maryland Man Gets Jail Time For Tire Dump: AG
From Recycling Dream to Environmental Nightmare: Maryland Man Gets Jail Time For Tire Dump: AG A Maryland man is heading to jail after illegally dumping more than 250,000 scrap tires in Allegany County, leaving others to deal with the environmental fallout and cleanup efforts. Michel Osei, 48, of Hanover, pleaded guilty to 17 environmental crimes after abandoning a scrap tire operation in Westernport that investigators in Maryland say violated nearly every regulation on the books. The fallout resulted in Osei receiving five years of incarceration, with all but 45 days suspended, along with five years of probation.  Investigators from the Maryland Attorney's General's Office say…
7-Alarm Fire in Southbridge That Displaced 12 Intentionally Set: State Officials 7-Alarm Fire in Southbridge That Displaced 12 Intentionally Set: State Officials
7-Alarm Fire in Southbridge That Displaced 12 Intentionally Set: State Officials A devastating seven-alarm fire that tore through two buildings on Union Street in Southbridge last month was intentionally set, state fire officials said. Twelve people were left homeless in the blaze, and investigators are now asking the public for help in finding who’s responsible. The fire broke out around 3:25 am at 5-7 Union St. on Wednesday, Nov. 13, and quickly spread to the neighboring building at 9-11 Union St. Firefighters arriving on the scene found heavy flames and immediately called for additional resources, escalating the response to seven alarms. Crews from over a dozen commun…
Investigators ID Cause Of Fatal Revere Fire Investigators ID Cause Of Fatal Revere Fire
Investigators ID Cause Of Fatal Revere Fire The fire that killed an 80-year-old man in Revere on Monday, July 15, was likely sparked by a cigarette, investigators said.  Firefighters were called to the 104 Patriot Parkway home at about 5:45 a.m. to find heavy smoke pouring out of the house. Crews were told the elderly man had limited mobility and was trapped inside, the state Fire Marshal's Office said. Firefighters were able to get the man out of the house and to a hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead.  An initial investigation of the blaze led the State Fire Marshal's Office to conclude the fire began with smoking…
Elderly Man Killed In Hyannis Fire Started In Bedroom: Investigators Elderly Man Killed In Hyannis Fire Started In Bedroom: Investigators
Elderly Man Killed In Hyannis Fire Started In Bedroom: Investigators Firefighters say the blaze that killed a man in his 60s on Wednesday, July 10, began with a lit cigarette in the man's bedroom at his Hyannis home.  Neighbors called firefighters to the Oakland Road house just before 5:30 a.m. when they saw smoke billowing out of the one-story home. Crews arrived to find the home fully involved.  Two adults inside were able to escape the flames, but firefighters found one man dead inside, the state Fire Marshal's Office said. Crews were able to get the blaze under control in 15 minutes but spent hours putting out hot spots.  Fire investigato…
E-Scooter Battery Explosion Blamed For Fire That Injured 5 In Chelsea E-Scooter Battery Explosion Blamed For Fire That Injured 5 In Chelsea
E-Scooter Battery Explosion Blamed For Fire That Injured 5 In Chelsea Fire investigators believe a fire that hurt five people over the weekend in Chelsea was caused when an electric scooter's lithium-ion battery exploded while it was charging.  Firefighters were called to 32 Carmel Street just after 12:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 25, to reports of a fire on the first floor of a three-story building. Crews moved into the four-unit apartment and quickly put out the blaze before it could spread to other units.  Five people were hurt in the fire. Four of them were taken to an area hospital for non-life-threatening injuries, the state Fire Marshal's Office …
Woburn Fire That Sent 2 Kids To Hospital, Displaced 3 Families Likely Started With Cigarette Woburn Fire That Sent 2 Kids To Hospital, Displaced 3 Families Likely Started With Cigarette
Woburn Fire That Sent 2 Kids To Hospital, Displaced 3 Families Likely Started With Cigarette A Woburn three-alarm fire over the weekend that left multiple families without a home and sent two children to the hospital likely began after someone failed to put out a cigarette on their porch, authorities said.  Firefighters were called to the 1 Richmond Park apartments around 3:45 a.m. on Sunday, May 26. One child had climbed to safety from a window and fire crews rescued another from the roof. They were taken to rushed to Boston for non-life-threatening injuries.  No one was seriously injured.  When firefighters arrived the fire had crept up the back of the b…
1 Killed In Marlborough House Fire 1 Killed In Marlborough House Fire
1 Killed In Marlborough House Fire A housefire in Marlborough on Wednesday morning, May 22, claimed the life of one person, authorities said.  Firefighters were called to the 66 Nolan Way home just before 8:30 a.m. to find fire coming from the back left corner of the single-family house, the state Fire Marshals Office said.  Crews forced their way inside and found an adult man dead. Authorities did not release his name as they are still notifying his next of kin.  Firefighters had the blaze under control within 30 minutes.  Investigators believe the fire began in the living room on the home's first…
Oily Rags Sparked 3-Alarm Newton House Fire: Investigators Oily Rags Sparked 3-Alarm Newton House Fire: Investigators
Oily Rags Sparked 3-Alarm Newton House Fire: Investigators Investigators believe the blaze that torched an unoccupied home in Newton on Wednesday, April 24, began when a container of oily rags burst into flames.  Newtown firefighters were called to the 8 Central Ave. home at 11:30 a.m. after neighbors spotted smoking coming from the 2-and-a-half-story wood-framed home, the State Fire Marshal's Office said. Fire crews found heavy fire on the upper floor and quickly escalated the blaze to three alarms.  It took hours before firefighters were able to put out the fire.  No one was injured.  An investigation found that the blaze be…
2 Killed, 1 Seriously Injured In Fast-Moving CT Apartment Fire 2 Killed, 1 Seriously Injured In Fast-Moving CT Apartment Fire
2 Killed, 1 Seriously Injured In Fast-Moving CT Apartment Fire Two people were killed, and another was seriously injured during a fast-moving apartment fire. The incident occurred in New Haven County around 6 p.m., Wednesday, April 17, at 25 Geneva Ave., in Wallingford. According to Chief John Ventura of the Wallingford Police, the Communications Center received a call reporting smoke from a residence on Geneva Avenue.  When police and fire arrived, they found a man outside suffering from severe burns, Ventura said. The individual was airlifted to a local burn center for treatment and remains in critical condition, the chief …
Three People Displaced, Firefighter Injured In Ocean City House Fire Three People Displaced, Firefighter Injured In Ocean City House Fire
Three People Displaced, Firefighter Injured In Ocean City House Fire Three people were without a home and a firefighter was injured after a house caught fire in Ocean City, officials said. Ocean City firefighters responded to the fire on the 1400 block of Simpson Avenue at around 4:46 p.m. on Monday, Apr. 15, the city said in a news release. Crews arrived within three minutes and found a large fire on the building's second floor. Marmora and Margate City firefighters also helped out the Ocean City Fire Department. The fire was under control by around 5:26 p.m. and it didn't spread to neighboring houses. No one was injured in the home but a firefighter did s…
Man Charged With Fire That Destroyed Mass Country Club Man Charged With Fire That Destroyed Mass Country Club
Man Charged With Fire That Destroyed Mass Country Club A Massachusetts was arrested Thursday, March 28, and charged with setting a blaze last year that demolished a Dartmouth country club.  Shawn Medeiros, 31, of New Bedford, is charged with burning a building, the State Fire Marshal's Office said.  Medeiros is accused of setting the May 7, 2023, blaze at Hawthorne Country Club around 1:30 p.m. It took two hours to get the blaze under control.  Fire investigators knew right away that the blaze appeared to be intentionally set.  Authorities did not speculate on any potential motive for the arson.  The club was a …
Newton Duplex Fire Kills 1; 3 Others Escape Burning Home Newton Duplex Fire Kills 1; 3 Others Escape Burning Home
Newton Duplex Fire Kills 1; 3 Others Escape Burning Home A man was killed after a fire tore through a duplex in Newton on Sunday morning, March 24, authorities said.  Firefighters were called to the blaze at 1243 Walnut St. around 8:30 a.m. and saw flames pouring through the first-floor windows, the State Fire Marshal's Office said.  Firefighters pushed their way inside and found a man lying on the floor and pulled him out of the blaze, authorities said. The man was pronounced dead at the scene. Officials did not release the man's name.  Another person inside the home escaped without serious injury. Occupants in the adjoining…
1 Dead, Another Injured In Lowell House Fire: 'Sad Day For Our Community' 1 Dead, Another Injured In Lowell House Fire: 'Sad Day For Our Community'
1 Dead, Another Injured In Lowell House Fire: 'Sad Day For Our Community' A man was killed and another person was hurt when a fire tore through a Lowell late Saturday night, March 16.  Multiple neighbors called 911 to report heavy smoke pouring from the back of the house at 114 Farmland Road just after 10:45 p.m., the State Fire Marshal's Office said.  Firefighters kicked in the front door and fought their way upstairs, where they found the man's body. Authorities pronounced him dead at the scene.  The second injured person was taken to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.  Firefighters were able to contain the fire in under …
2 Injured In Western Mass Blaze Likely Caused By Oxygen Tank 2 Injured In Western Mass Blaze Likely Caused By Oxygen Tank
2 Injured In Western Mass Blaze Likely Caused By Oxygen Tank Fire investigators believe a fire that injured two people on Monday, Feb. 19, in Hampden County began from a medical oxygen tank.  Firefighters responded to 68 State St. in Ludlow just before 5:30 p.m. to reports of a fire. They found two older adults, both injured, trapped inside, state firefighting officials said.  Paramedics rushed both of them to an area hospital for treatment, and one was later taken to a Boston hospital for additional care.  The fire remains under investigation, but officials believe the oxygen tanks found inside the home played a role in the intensity…
'Nothing But A Gentleman': Funeral Set For Braintree Man, 85, Killed In House Fire 'Nothing But A Gentleman': Funeral Set For Braintree Man, 85, Killed In House Fire
'Nothing But A Gentleman': Funeral Set For Braintree Man, 85, Killed In House Fire Friends of a Braintree man who died in an overnight housefire on Sunday, Dec. 30, shared their love of the 85-year-old 'gentleman' at a gathering earlier this week, but now they will say goodbyes.   A wake for John 'Sean' Sullivan has been set for Sunday, Jan. 7, at 4-8 p.m. at Cartwright Funeral Home in Braintree. His funeral will follow on Monday at 10 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Church on Washington Street in Braintree.  Today was a lovely day, for a great man. Thank you to all who came out, and for the outpouring of love and support the... Poste…
Woman, 65, Killed In Western Mass House Fire ID'd Woman, 65, Killed In Western Mass House Fire ID'd
Woman, 65, Killed In Western Mass House Fire ID'd State fire officials have identified the woman who was killed in a Franklin County fire as a 65-year-old Orange woman, authorities said.  Debra Marini died several hours after she was seriously burned last week in a blaze at 99 West River Street in Orange, the State Fire Marshal's Office said on Tuesday. The homeowner, Vicki Kennedy, was also seriously hurt in the fire, but authorities said she is expected to recover.  Related: Woman Dies From Injuries In Orange Fire, Second Woman Remains In Burn Ward The fire began just after 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 13, and tore thr…
Neighbor Helps Save Couple From Western Mass House Fire; Both Seriously Burned In Blaze Neighbor Helps Save Couple From Western Mass House Fire; Both Seriously Burned In Blaze
Neighbor Helps Save Couple From Western Mass House Fire; Both Seriously Burned In Blaze A couple in Hampden County were seriously injured in a house fire Monday morning, Dec. 18, but it could have been much worse if not for a neighbor who saw the smoke and rushed to help, authorities said.  The fire began just before 8 a.m. at 88 Stafford Holland Road in Wales. Firefighters arrived to find smoke pouring from the front of the home, the State Fire Marshal's Office said.  Authorities did not identify the couple.  They were able to escape the blaze, and a neighbor helped pull one of them to safety.  The couple were taken to UMass Medical Center with seri…
Arsonist, 25, Booted By Brother Torches Trailer In Hagerstown: Cops Arsonist, 25, Booted By Brother Torches Trailer In Hagerstown: Cops
Arsonist, 25, Booted By Brother Torches Trailer In Hagerstown: Cops A Hagerstown man has been charged with setting fire to his brother's utility trailer hauling brush this week, authorities announced. Christian Reyes Torres, 25, had been staying with his brother but was asked to leave on Thursday, Dec. 14, the State Fire Marshal's Office said. Torres later returned and began arguing with family members, and threatened to burn down the house, officials said. It wasn't long before it was discovered that Torres' brother's trailer was found engulfed in flames, along with the brush and tree limbs it had been hauling, officials said. Firefighters extinguished t…
NEW UPDATE: Woman Dies From Injuries In Western Mass Fire, Second Woman Remains In Burn Ward NEW UPDATE: Woman Dies From Injuries In Western Mass Fire, Second Woman Remains In Burn Ward
NEW Update: Woman Dies From Injuries In Western Mass Fire, Second Woman Remains In Burn Ward New Update: State officials announced Thursday afternoon, Dec. 14, that one of the women injured in an overnight fire has died. The second woman, who was taken to a Boston hospital with severe burns, remains hospitalized. She is expected to survive, officials said.  Related: Authorities Identify Woman Killed In Orange House Fire Two other women who were at the 99 West River Street home at the time of the fire were able to escape without serious injury. Several of their dogs died in the blaze.  The house is considered a total loss.  A GoFundMe created to help the…
PA Man Charged With Torching NJ Home For Insurance Money PA Man Charged With Torching NJ Home For Insurance Money
PA Man Charged With Torching NJ Home For Insurance Money A Pennsylvania man already awaiting trial in connection with other incidents was charged with setting fire to a former home in Cherry Hill to collect on the insurance. Richard Orlandini, 62, of Wilkes Barre, collected at least $75,000 from Allstate by "recklessly placing others in danger of death or bodily injury,"  New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said. Firefighters reported finding the two-story single-family home on Chapel Avenue West well-involved shortly before 1:30 a.m. Oct. 20, 2018. No injuries were reported and the house had to be demolished. Orlandini deli…
Revere Fire That Trapped 2 Intentionally Set: Investigators Revere Fire That Trapped 2 Intentionally Set: Investigators
Revere Fire That Trapped 2 Intentionally Set: Investigators Fire investigators are asking for the public's help to track down an arsonist in Revere.  Firefighters were called to a two-alarm fire at a multi-unit apartment in Revere on Park Avenue on Sunday evening just before 6 p.m., the State Fire Marshal's Office said. Crews rescued two people who were trapped behind the flames.  Both were treated for minor injuries, authorities said.  Fire firefighters say the blaze was intentionally set.  “Two occupants of this building had to be rescued by firefighters,” said Revere Fire Chief Christopher Bright. “This incident could have …
Potentially 'Devastating' Fire In Groton Ruled Suspicious: Fire Marshal Potentially 'Devastating' Fire In Groton Ruled Suspicious: Fire Marshal
Potentially 'Devastating' Fire In Groton Ruled Suspicious: Fire Marshal Fire investigators say a blaze at a large, abandoned building in Middlesex County may have been intentionally set.  The blaze at the 500 Main St. building in Groton started just before 2 p.m. in a utility room on Monday, Oct. 9, the State Fire Marshal said. The facility, which used to house the Deluxe Corporation, has been the target of vandalism in the past.  Firefighters were able to quickly extinguish the flames, and no injuries were reported. Though fire crews admit, they got lucky. The outcome could have been much different and potentially deadlier if they hadn't reached the …
Woman, 62, Killed In Fire ID'd; Investigators Say Central Mass Blaze Started In Kitchen Woman, 62, Killed In Fire ID'd; Investigators Say Central Mass Blaze Started In Kitchen
Woman, 62, Killed In Fire ID'd; Investigators Say Central Mass Blaze Started In Kitchen Fire investigators say the three-alarm fire that killed a 62-year-old woman in Worcester County on Thursday, Sept. 7, started on the kitchen stove, authorities said.  Jacqueline "Jackie" Doherty died in the 92 Fern Street blaze in Athol that began just before 10 a.m., the State Fire Marshal's Office said. A second person in the home was taken to an area hospital and is recovering from their wounds. Their name and the extent of their injuries were not released.  Dan Plourde, a friend of Jackie's, said she was a brilliant woman who worked at Schepens Eye Research Institute. She…
Woman Dies In Athol House Fire; Investigators Believe Blaze Began In Kitchen Woman Dies In Athol House Fire; Investigators Believe Blaze Began In Kitchen
Woman Dies In Athol House Fire; Investigators Believe Blaze Began In Kitchen A woman was killed in a three-alarm blaze in Worcester County Thursday afternoon, Sept. 7, authorities announced.  The fire was reported just before 9:45 a.m. at 92 Fern Street in Athol, the state Fire Marshal's Office said.  Related: Woman Killed In Athol Fire ID'd; Fire Investigators Determine Cause Of Blaze Authorities have not released the victim's name, but Athol Town Manager Shaun Suhoski said she was a beloved community member and active in her church and neighborhood. Firefighters believe the blaze began in the kitchen, but they are still investigating the fire's origi…
Man Out On Bail Tried To Burn Down Springfield Home with Someone Inside: Police Man Out On Bail Tried To Burn Down Springfield Home with Someone Inside: Police
Man Out On Bail Tried To Burn Down Springfield Home with Someone Inside: Police A man wearing a court-ordered ankle monitor from a previous arrest from in cuffs again Thursday, Aug. 24, after police in Springfield said he tried to burn down a home with someone inside.  Lavonta Williams, 45, of Springfield, was out on bail from an arrest in August 2022 on guns and drug charges and an outstanding warrant for driving while high in Palmer, Springfield police said.  Emergency dispatchers sent firefighters to a home on Collins Street just after 9 a.m. Thursday after they received calls about a structure fire. Fire crews were able to put out the blaze.  A K9 t…
Fatal Fire: 1 Dead, 1 Critically Injured In Bridgeport Fatal Fire: 1 Dead, 1 Critically Injured In Bridgeport
Fatal Fire: 1 Dead, 1 Critically Injured In Bridgeport One person was killed and another is in critical condition following a fire at a Fairfield County apartment. The fire took place in Bridgeport around 4:20 a.m., Friday, July 14 in the 400 block of Success Ave., Building 43. When Bridgeport firefighters arrived on the scene they found heavy smoke and fire on the first and second floors of the apartment, said Scott Appleby, director of emergency management for Bridgeport. The building was evacuated due to heavy smoke conditions.  Two residents of the apartment were transported to Bridgeport Hospital, where one died, and the second is l…