Press Release  Fatal Chicopee Fire Started with Smoking Materials

CHICOPEE — The fire that claimed an older adult’s life on Saturday started with smoking materials and home oxygen may have been a factor, said Chicopee Fire Chief Daniel P. Stamborski, Chicopee Police Chief Patrick J. Major, State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine, and Hampden County District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni.

“On behalf of the Chicopee Fire Department, I again want to express our heartfelt condolences to this man’s family and loved ones in their time of grief,” said Chief Stamborski. “I also want to remind everyone in our community that smoking is the leading cause of fatal fires. Smoking is especially dangerous where medical oxygen is in use. If you or a loved one use home oxygen, we’re urging you – please don’t smoke, and use extra caution with any open flame.”

The Chicopee Fire Department responded to the area of 89 Southwick St. at 9:39 Saturday morning after a passerby reported seeing smoke. Firefighters made entry to attack the fire and contained it to the first floor, where they located a 74-year-old man with limited mobility deceased at the scene. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the exact cause of his death.

The origin and cause of the fire were investigated by the Chicopee Fire Department, Chicopee Police Department, State Police assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office, and State Police assigned to the Hampden County District Attorney’s office. They determined that the fire began in the first floor living room. They also located medical oxygen equipment at the scene. Fires will start more easily in an oxygen-rich environment, growing faster and burning hotter than they would otherwise. Smoking and home oxygen have contributed to at least seven fire deaths in Massachusetts over the past three years.

Investigators did not find working smoke alarms in the unit where the fire began.

“Please take a few minutes today to ensure that you have working smoke alarms on every level of your home,” said State Fire Marshal Davine. “We recommend changing the batteries and checking the manufacturing date when you change your clocks, but there’s no need to wait until the weekend. Test your alarms to be sure you’re protected, and replace them if they’re not working or more than 10 years old.”

###