Celebration of Life Held for Elderly Man Who Died in Braintree Fire

A crowd gathered at The Cottage Bar in Weymouth on Sunday to attend a Celebration of Life for John “Sean” Sullivan, an 85-year-old man who tragically perished in a fast-moving fire in Braintree the day before.

Tragic Fire Incident

Early in the morning, a passerby reported a fire on Hobart Avenue in Braintree. Fire crews arrived at the scene and discovered Sullivan inside the house. Unfortunately, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Remembering a Beloved Regular

Sullivan was well-liked by his friends and loved ones, who gathered at The Cottage Bar to pay their respects. Known for his kindness and willingness to help others, he will be deeply missed.

No Suspicious Circumstances

Fire officials have stated that their preliminary investigation suggests the fire was not suspicious in nature. However, a thorough investigation is still ongoing to determine the exact cause of the fire.

Importance of Smoke Alarms

Chief O’Brien of the Braintree Fire Department expressed his condolences to Sullivan’s family and emphasized the importance of having working smoke alarms in every home. The fire incident revealed that there were no working smoke alarms at the scene. Chief O’Brien urged everyone to ensure they have functioning smoke alarms on every level of their homes.

Fire Containment Efforts

The fire spread rapidly and caused significant damage to the house. However, firefighters were able to contain it to the building of origin. It took nearly an hour of battling the blaze before it was brought under control.

Investigation Underway

The Braintree Fire Department, Braintree Police Department, and State Police assigned to the offices of the State Fire Marshal and Norfolk District Attorney are currently investigating the fire incident. Their joint efforts aim to determine the cause and gather all necessary information.

Smoke Alarm Safety Tips

State Fire Marshal Davine highlighted the importance of smoke alarms in saving lives. He advised testing them monthly, replacing batteries twice a year, and replacing the alarm after 10 years. For those purchasing new smoke alarms, he recommended selecting a photoelectric alarm from a reputable national brand. It should have a sealed, long-life battery and a hush feature to minimize the chances of it being disabled.