Press Release  Fatal Georgetown Fire was Accidental, Officials Say

GEORGETOWN — The fatal four-alarm fire in Georgetown this weekend was accidental and started with an electrical or mechanical failure involving a small refrigerator, said Georgetown Fire Chief Matt McKay, Georgetown Police Chief David Sedgwick, State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine, and Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker.

District Attorney Tucker’s office identified the victim as 80-year-old Nancy Holbrook of Georgetown.

“Ms. Holbrook’s family and loved ones remain in our thoughts today,” said Chief McKay. “On behalf of the Georgetown Fire Department and the community, I want to extend our heartfelt condolences.”

The fire at 238 East Main St. was reported shortly before 11:00 on Saturday night. On arrival, firefighters found the single-family home well involved, with heavy fire coming through the roof. Three occupants were able to escape safely; firefighters learned that one person was trapped inside and immediately made entry to locate her. Firefighters removed her through a second-floor window and attempted lifesaving efforts at the scene. She was transported to an area hospital, where she was pronounced deceased early the next morning.

The fire went to four alarms, bringing mutual aid from more than a dozen regional fire departments. The Red Cross of Massachusetts is assisting the residents, all of whom were displaced.

The fire was jointly investigated by the Georgetown Fire Department, Georgetown Police Department, and State Police assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office. They were assisted by the Department of Fire Services’ Code Compliance & Enforcement Unit. Investigators collectively identified the area of origin as a small refrigerator in a wooden bar on the first floor near the front of the building. They further determined that the fire was accidental and caused by an electrical or mechanical failure involving this appliance. They found no evidence that it was intentionally set.

Between 600 and 700 structure fires are attributed to electrical events each year in Massachusetts. On average, they contribute to about five fatalities and nearly 100 fire-related injuries a year. Heating and cooling appliances like refrigerators, air conditioners, and space heaters should always be plugged directly into a wall outlet, not an extension cord or power strip.

“Please take a few minutes today to check your smoke alarms,” said State Fire Marshal Davine. “The manufacturing date is printed on the back of the device. Smoke alarms should be replaced after 10 years, and new alarms should have a sealed, long-life battery and a hush feature. If your alarms still take alkaline batteries, change the batteries twice a year. And test those alarms every month to be sure you and your loved ones are protected.”

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