- Department of Fire Services
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Jake Wark, Public Information Officer
NORTHAMPTON — One person is deceased after a residential fire on Fort Hill Terrace last night, said Northampton Fire Chief Andrew Pelis, Northampton Police Chief John D. Cartledge, State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine, and Northwestern District Attorney David E. Sullivan.
Northampton Fire/Rescue responded to 29 Fort Hill Terrace just after 9:20 pm following a report of a structure fire. While en route, they received additional information that a person might be trapped inside.
Firefighters arrived to find heavy smoke and flames at the two-story, single-family home. Northampton Police officers were already onscene and had attempted to make entry but were forced back by high heat and fire conditions.
Firefighters immediately began an attack on the fire. When they made entry to search for occupants, they located one person who was pronounced deceased at the scene. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the cause and manner of death.
One other occupant was able to escape.
Firefighters battled the flames for about an hour before bringing it under control. The first companies at the scene did not hear smoke alarms sounding.
The origin and cause of the fire are under investigation by the Northampton Fire Department, Northampton Police Department, State Police fire investigators assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office, and State Police detectives assigned to the Northwestern District Attorney’s office. They are supported by the Department of Fire Services’ Code Compliance & Enforcement Unit.
The fire departments of Easthampton, Hadley, and South Deerfield provided mutual aid at the scene. The Whately Fire Department and Williamsburg Fire Department provided station coverage. The Department of Fire Services deployed a Rehab Unit to support firefighter health and safety.
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