- Department of Fire Services
Media Contact
Jake Wark, Public Information Officer
METHUEN — A two-alarm house fire on Atkinson Street claimed a resident’s life early this morning, said Methuen Fire Chief David A. Toto, Methuen Police Chief Scott J. McNamara, and State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine.
“On behalf of the Methuen Fire Department, I want to express our heartfelt condolences to the family,” said Chief Toto. “They lost a loved one and their home. This is a very sad day for them and the community.”
The Methuen Fire Department responded to 38 Atkinson Street at about 2:20 this morning for a report of smoke in the building. On arrival, firefighters observed heavy smoke and flames coming from the single-family home. They immediately attempted to make entry but encountered heavy fire and were blocked by heavy clutter. They moved to defensive operations to protect nearby homes.
Firefighters battled the blaze for more than four hours. Three occupants were able to escape but sadly one was located deceased inside the home. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the cause and manner of his death.
The structure sustained catastrophic damage. The origin and cause of the fire remain under investigation by the Methuen Fire Department, Methuen Police Department, State Police fire investigators assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office, and State Police assigned to the Essex DA’s office. They are supported by the Department of Fire Services’ Code Compliance & Enforcement Unit. Preliminarily, the fire does not appear suspicious and working smoke alarms were located at the scene.
The Salem, NH, Fire Department provided mutual aid at the scene and the Lawrence Fire Department provided station coverage.
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