- Department of Fire Services
Media Contact for Fatal Webster Fire Not Suspicious
Jake Wark, Public Information Officer
WEBSTER — The fire that claimed one person’s life in Webster this weekend does not appear suspicious, said Webster Fire Deputy Chief Jeffrey Saad, Webster Police Chief Michael Shaw, State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine, and Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr.
The Webster Fire Department responded to a multi-family home at 3 South Point Road following 9-1-1 calls just after 10:00 pm on Saturday night. On arrival, they found smoke and flames and learned that one person remained inside. Firefighters made entry, located the occupant, and removed him from the home.
The 57-year-old man, who was identified as Peter Maraglia of Webster, was immediately transported to an area hospital, where he tragically succumbed to his injuries. Five other residents were displaced but no serious injuries were reported. Firefighters reported hearing smoke alarms during their response.
The origin and cause of the fire are being investigated by the Webster Fire Department, Webster Police Department, State Police assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office, and State Police assigned to the Worcester County DA’s office. They were supported by the Department of Fire Services’ Code Compliance & Enforcement Unit. Investigators collectively determined that the fire began in the back right of the bedroom where the victim was located. They found no evidence that the fire was intentionally set. Though the exact cause of the fire has not been determined, they identified smoking materials and home oxygen as potential factors.
Fires can start more easily and grow more quickly in an oxygen-rich environment, fire officials said. There is no truly safe way to smoke, but smoking where home oxygen is in use is especially dangerous, said Chief Hickey. State Fire Marshal Davine noted that smoking and home oxygen were likely factors in a fatal Chicopee fire in March and in a fire in Ludlow that injured two people in Ludlow in February.
Learn more about home oxygen safety at the Department of Fire Services’ website.
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Media Contact for Fatal Webster Fire Not Suspicious
