House Fire in Braintree Claims Life of Man
Authorities in Braintree, Massachusetts are investigating a tragic house fire that occurred late Friday night, resulting in the death of a man. The fire was reported by a passerby on Hobart Avenue at around 4 a.m. Fire crews quickly arrived at the scene and discovered an older man inside the house, who was pronounced dead. The Braintree Fire Department extends their condolences to the victim’s family and urges everyone to ensure they have working smoke alarms in their homes.
Firefighters Contain Blaze, but Home Sustains Major Damage
The fire rapidly spread throughout the house, causing significant damage. However, firefighters were able to contain the blaze to the building of origin. Within a short time of their arrival, a second alarm was struck, and firefighters battled the flames for nearly an hour before gaining control over the situation.
Investigation Underway
The Braintree Fire Department, along with the Braintree Police Department and State Police assigned to the offices of the State Fire Marshal and Norfolk District Attorney, are currently investigating the cause of the fire. The Department of Fire Services’ Code Compliance & Enforcement Unit is also providing assistance. While the exact cause has not yet been determined, all potential factors are believed to be accidental, and the fire is not considered suspicious.
Importance of Smoke Alarms
State Fire Marshal Davine emphasizes the critical role of smoke alarms in saving lives. It is crucial to regularly test smoke alarms, replace their batteries twice a year, and replace the alarm itself after 10 years. When purchasing a new smoke alarm, it is recommended to choose a photoelectric alarm from a reputable national brand. The alarm should have a sealed, long-life battery and a hush feature to minimize the chances of it being disabled.
During the incident, firefighters were observed using a ladder truck to extinguish flames that were shooting out of the roof of the house on Hobart Avenue.
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