Press Release

Press Release  Fatal Chicopee Fire Started with Smoking Materials

Two Older Adults Perished in Early Morning Blaze
For immediate release:
2/10/2025
  • Department of Fire Services

Media Contact

Jake Wark, Public Information Officer

Chicopee fire investigation

CHICOPEE — The early-morning house fire that claimed two residents’ lives this weekend started with smoking materials, said Chicopee Fire Chief Daniel Stamborski, Chicopee Police Chief Patrick Major, State Fire Marshal Jon Davine, and Hampden County District Attorney Anthony Gulluni.

“On behalf of the Chicopee Fire Department, I again want to offer our heartfelt condolences to the victims’ family and loved ones,” said Chief Stamborski. “I also want to remind all our residents that smoking materials are the leading cause of fatal fires in Massachusetts and the nation, especially among older adults. If you must smoke, please don’t do it in bed or when you’re drowsy or impaired – and no one should smoke in a home where medical oxygen is in use.”

The Chicopee Fire Department responded to 15 Hudson Ave following a neighbor’s 9-1-1 call at about 2:15 Saturday morning. On arrival, firefighters found the two-story, single-family home well involved with heavy fire shooting through windows on three sides of the structure. The fire quickly went to two alarms. Firefighters immediately began attacking it and protecting nearby homes. It took more than an hour to bring the fire under control.

Firefighters located two people deceased inside. Both were in their late 60s and the sole occupants of the home. Their names are not being released at this time. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the cause and manner of their deaths.

The origin and cause of the fire are being investigated by the Chicopee Fire Department, Chicopee Police Department, State Police fire investigators assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office, and State Police assigned to the Hampden DA’s office. Based on an examination of the scene and interviews with first responders, investigators believe that the fire started accidentally with smoking materials in the first-floor living room near the front left of the building.

Investigators are being assisted by the Department of Fire Services’ Code Compliance & Enforcement Unit. Compliance officers found no working smoke alarms in the home, and the first arriving firefighters did not hear alarms sounding.

“Tragically, working smoke alarms were found at less than half of last year’s fatal fire scenes,” said State Fire Marshal Davine. “One- and two-family homes were the least likely to be protected by these vital safety tools. Please take a few minutes today to test your alarms to be sure they’re working properly. And if you need help testing, installing, or replacing your alarms, contact your local fire department. Many communities have programs that can provide them free of charge.”

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