Massachusetts fire officials issue warning after one dead, another seriously injured, in blaze

NEWTON — A man rescued by Newton firefighters from a two-alarm house fire has succumbed to his injuries, said Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller, Newton Fire Chief Gregory Gentile, Newton Police Chief John Carmichael Jr, State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine, and Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan.

“This is a terrible loss for the family and a sad day for the community,” said Mayor Fuller and Chief Gentile.

Chief Gentile continued, “The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, but we believe it may have been heating related. If you use a space heater at home, please remember to keep anything that can burn at least three feet away. Plug it directly into a wall outlet, not an extension cord or power strip, and always turn it off when you leave the room or go to sleep.”

The Newton Fire Department responded to the area of 16 Lincoln Road at about 8:30 p.m. on Jan. 24. Firefighters observed heavy smoke and fire showing and struck a second alarm on arrival. They learned of two people trapped inside and immediately made entry to conduct a primary search. Firefighters quickly located two adults and rescued them from the building. The bulk of the fire was knocked down in about 20 minutes.

Both patients suffered serious injuries. One, a man in his 80s, died at Massachusetts General Hospital on Friday.

“Changes in manufacturing and building construction mean we have less time than ever before to escape a fire at home,” said State Fire Marshal Davine. “A practiced home escape plan with two ways out will help you get out faster when the smoke alarm sounds. Older adults are at greater risk in the event of a fire, so be sure you can safely navigate stairs and exits to escape safely.”

The origin and cause of the fire are being investigated by the Newton Fire Department, Newton Police Department, and State Police assigned to the offices of the State Fire Marshal and Middlesex District Attorney. They have determined that the fire began in the basement, and while the exact cause has not been determined it does not appear suspicious.