Christmas Eve blaze claims life of 21-year-old woman in Massachusetts; “It’s just a heart wrenching event”

NEEDHAM — One person is deceased following an early-morning house fire at 28 Woodworth Road, said Needham Fire Chief Thomas Conroy, Needham Police Chief John Schlittler, State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine, and Norfolk District Attorney Michael W. Morrissey.

“On behalf of the Needham Fire Department, I want to express our deepest condolences to the family that lost a loved one today,” said Chief Conroy. “It’s just a heart wrenching event for them and the community.”

The Needham Fire Department responded to 28 Woodworth Road shortly before 5:00 this morning. On arrival, firefighters observed heavy smoke and flames coming from the three-story, single-family home. The first responding personnel attempted entry but were pushed back by the raging fire, which quickly spread throughout the structure and caused catastrophic damage.

Two adult occupants were able to escape. A third was later located deceased inside. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will conduct a formal identification procedure and determine the cause and manner of death.

According to multiple reports, the deceased is a 21-year-old woman.

The fire drew a four-alarm response, with about 75 firefighters from across the region battling the flames for more than seven hours before bringing it under control.

The origin and cause of the fire are being investigated by the Needham Fire Department, Needham Police Department, State Police fire investigators assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office, and State Police assigned to the Norfolk DA’s office. They are supported by the Department of Fire Services’ Code Compliance & Enforcement Unit. Firefighters and investigators were assisted at the scene by the Norfolk County Technical Rescue Team.

“We haven’t determined the cause of this fire yet, but we know that tragedies like this one are most common in the winter months,” said State Fire Marshal Davine. “Please be sure you have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home and a practiced escape plan in the event of an emergency.”

The fire departments of Boston, Brookline, Dedham, Natick, Newton, Norwood, Milton, Wellesley, and Westwood provided mutual aid. The Boston Sparks Association provided food and beverages to personnel at the scene, and the Department of Fire Services provided a Rehab unit to support firefighter health and safety.