Press Release  Fatal Fire in Palmer Under Investigation

PALMER — A fire in a shed on West Ware Road claimed a resident’s life today, said Palmer Fire Chief William J. Bernat Jr, Palmer Police Chief Christopher J. Burns, State Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey, and Hampden County District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni. 

“Our hearts go out to this man’s family and loved ones,” said Chief Bernat. “On behalf of the Palmer Fire Department, I want to express our sincere condolences on their tragic loss.”

The Palmer Fire Department responded to the area of 17 West Ware Rd. after a passing motorist reported seeing smoke at about 1:18 pm. On arrival, the first responding personnel found a shed fully involved near the rear of the residence, with fire threatening to spread to the residence and nearby woods. 

Palmer firefighters immediately deployed an attack line to suppress the fire and called for mutual aid. The fire departments of Warren, Ware, Bondsville, and Monson responded, bringing additional personnel and tankers to assist in extinguishing the fire. 

One resident who had been unaccounted for was discovered deceased inside the shed. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will conduct a formal identification procedure and determine the cause and manner of his death. 

Power equipment, gasoline, and other items were found in the area of the fire. Its exact cause has not yet been determined and remains under investigation by the Palmer Fire Department, Palmer Police Department, State Police fire investigators assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office, and State Police assigned to the Hampden District Attorney’s office. 

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