- Department of Fire Services
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Jake Wark, Public Information Officer
DANVERS — After the third fatal fire this year at which no working smoke alarms were found, fire officials are urging residents to be sure they have up-to-date smoke alarms on every level of their homes.
The January 27 fire in Danvers claimed the life of 68-year-old Mark Oliver.
“Our hearts go out to Mr. Oliver’s family and loved ones,” said Danvers Fire Chief Brian P. Barry. “Tragically, we found no working smoke alarms in the home. I want to remind all our residents that smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are vital home safety tools. If you need help installing, maintaining, or replacing your alarms, please call us.”
State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine said that more than 90% of Massachusetts fire deaths took place in residential settings last year, with single-family homes least likely to have working smoke alarms. Half of those who perished were aged 65 or older.
“Every household needs working smoke alarms on every level of the home, but older adults are at greatest risk of death or serious injury in a fire,” said State Fire Marshal Davine. “Check the manufacturing date printed on the back of your alarms and replace them if they’re more than 10 years old. If it’s time for a replacement, choose one from a well-known, national brand that’s got a sealed, long-life battery and a hush feature.”
Chief Barry and State Fire Marshal Davine said residents should test their alarms once a month to be sure they’re working properly and change out alkaline batteries twice a year when they change their clocks.
The Danvers Fire Department responded to 36 MacArthur Boulevard at 12:01 pm after a passerby reported seeing smoke coming from the single-family home. On arrival, firefighters observed heavy smoke coming from the eaves and visible in all the windows. They immediately made entry to attack the fire and begin a search but found the floor compromised, with a large hole to the basement just inside the doorway.
With neighbors reporting that a resident was likely still inside, firefighters at the rear of the building attacked the fire in the basement and gained access through a sliding door. Primary search efforts were hindered by extreme clutter and smoke banking down to the floor, but they located Mr. Oliver, who was the sole resident, and removed him from the building. He was pronounced deceased at the scene, and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the cause and manner of his death.
Firefighters were able to bring the fire under control in about 10 minutes. The origin and cause are being investigated by the Danvers Fire Department, Danvers Police Department, State Police fire investigators assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office, and State Police assigned to the Essex County District Attorney’s office. They are supported by the Department of Fire Services’ Code Compliance & Enforcement Unit.
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