Press Release  Fatal Marlborough Fire Does Not Appear Suspicious

MARLBOROUGH — The house fire that claimed a resident’s life remains under investigation today but does not appear suspicious, said Marlborough Fire Chief Kevin J. Breen, Marlborough Police Chief David Giorgi, State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine, and Middlesex County District Attorney Marian T. Ryan.

“We at the Marlborough Fire Department again want to express our condolences to the family that lost a loved one yesterday,” said Chief Breen. “We also want to urge all our residents to check their smoke alarms to be sure they’re working properly and installed on every level of the home.”

The origin and cause of the fire remain under investigation by the Marlborough Fire Department, Marlborough Police Department, State Police fire investigators assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office, and State Police assigned to the Middlesex DA’s office. Preliminarily, they believe the fire began in the center of the dwelling near the rear wall and they have found no evidence that it was intentionally set. Their examination of the debris did not reveal evidence of working smoke alarms.

The Marlborough Fire Department and Marlborough Police Department responded to 11 Hanlon Drive at about 4:35 yesterday morning after a passerby reported the fire. They found the single-family home fully involved on arrival, with fire venting through the roof. The first personnel on scene did not report hearing smoke alarms when they arrived.

Learning that one occupant was believed to be inside, firefighters immediately began to attack the fire and threw a ground ladder to the second floor. They entered and located the sole occupant, a man in his 80s, unresponsive inside. Firefighters rescued him over the ladder and carried him to waiting EMTs, who transported him to an area hospital. Tragically, he passed away later that morning. The man’s name is being withheld pending full family notifications.

“There have been 10 fatal house fires in Massachusetts so far this year, and half of them have involved older adults,” said State Fire Marshal Davine. “Every home needs working smoke alarms on every level, but people aged 65 and over are at greatest risk in a fire. If you or a loved one need help installing or maintaining your smoke alarms, please contact your local fire department.”

The home sustained catastrophic damage, but no other injuries were reported. The Southborough Fire Department provided mutual aid at the scene while firefighters from Hudson and Northborough provided station coverage. 

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