Two older adults died in a hearth in an Acushnet multi-family house early Christmas morning, the Acushnet Hearth Division reported.
“On behalf of the Acushnet Fire Department, I want to express our heartfelt condolences to the victims’ family and loved ones,” Acushnet Hearth Chief Thomas Farland mentioned in a Division of Hearth Providers launch. “This is a heartbreaking day for them and our community.”
At about 1:50 a.m. Wednesday morning, Acushnet Hearth Division and Acushnet Police responded to a number of calls reporting a hearth at a two and a half story house at 34 Garfield St., the division mentioned.
Upon arrival, responders discovered “heavy smoke and flames,” Acushnet Hearth mentioned. One resident had escaped safely after a neighbor noticed the fireplace and pounded on the door, and one other was overseas.
Three folks have been unaccounted for, the division mentioned.
The heavy hearth induced a partial collapse of the roof and “major structural damage” to the house, in response to Acushnet Hearth, and firefighters started instantly attacking the blaze.
The responders entered the home, discovering two residents lifeless inside.
The firefighters battled the heavy hearth for about an hour, bringing it beneath management, the division reported. Following the trouble, one firefighter was taken to the hospital however is “expected to recover.”
Acushnet Hearth and the Division of Hearth Providers mentioned the victims are “preliminarily believed” to be a person and lady of their 80s.
“The office of the Chief Medical Examiner will conduct a formal identification procedure and determine the cause and manner of their deaths,” the discharge mentioned.
One resident was injured, and all surviving occupants have been displaced by the fireplace, the division mentioned.
The Acushnet Hearth Division, together with native and state police and hearth officers, mentioned they’re actively investigating the trigger and origin of the fireplace. Fairhaven Hearth Division, Mattapoisett EMS, and Windfall Canteen offered assist on the scene.
Investigators mentioned each witnesses and first responders didn’t hear smoke alarms sounding once they arrived on the burning house.
“Our hearts go out to the family at a time of such terrible loss,” mentioned State Hearth Marshal Jon Davine. “We’ve seen too many tragedies this year. Please, if you do one thing today, talk to the people you care about and be sure they have working smoke alarms on every level of their homes.”
