Press Release  Fatal Fire in Halifax Under Investigation

HALIFAX — A late-night house fire on Holmes Street has claimed one person’s life, said Halifax Fire Chief Michael Witham, Halifax Police Chief Joao A. Chaves, State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine, and Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz.

The Halifax Fire Department, Halifax Police Department, and mutual aid firefighters responded to 138 Holmes Street after a neighbor called 9-1-1 shortly before 12:30 am. On arrival, firefighters observed smoke and flames coming from the rear of the single-family home.

Firefighters made entry to locate any occupants and found one man, the sole resident, unresponsive inside. They removed him from the building and immediately began lifesaving efforts before a Plympton ambulance transported him to an area hospital.

The man passed away later this morning. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the cause and manner of his death.

“On behalf of the Halifax Fire Department, I want to express our heartfelt condolences to the man’s family and loved ones,” said Chief Witham. “I also want to remind all our residents that working smoke alarms are vital home safety tools. Please take a few minutes today to be sure you have them on every level of your home.”

The fire spread quickly throughout the structure and went to a second alarm. Firefighters were able to knock it down in about half an hour. Two dogs were also located deceased inside.

The origin and cause of the fire remain under investigation by the Halifax Fire Department, Halifax Police Department, State Police Fire investigators assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office, and State Police Detectives assigned to the Plymouth County DA’s office. They are assisted by the Department of Fire Services’ Code Compliance & Enforcement Unit. The fire does not appear to be suspicious. Investigators found no smoke alarms at the scene.

The fire departments of Hanson, Pembroke, Duxbury, Kingston, Plympton, and Bridgewater provided mutual aid.

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