- Department of Fire Services
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Jake Wark, Public Information Officer
REVERE — A fast-moving fire in a Washington Avenue home has claimed one person’s life, said Acting Revere Fire Chief James E. Cullen, Revere Police Interim Chief Maria A. LaVita, State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine, and Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin R. Hayden.
The victim has been identified as Richard Serino, 77.
“This is a very sad day for the Revere Fire Department and the City of Revere,” said Acting Chief Cullen. “Mr. Serino was beloved in our community. He served as a US Marine and a Revere Police officer for many years, and his son is a Revere firefighter. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and many loved ones.”
“Richie served as a proud member of the Revere Police Department for 34 years, from 1979 to 2013,” Interim Chief LaVita said. “He was quick-witted and always smiling. We will miss him immensely.”
The Revere Fire Department responded to a 9-1-1 call from a passerby at 4:39 yesterday afternoon. On arrival, firefighters observed heavy smoke and fire at the right rear of the 2½-story multi-family home. They immediately began attacking the fire and made entry to search for occupants. They located Mr. Serino, removed him from the building, and provided medical aid at the scene. He was transported to CHA Everett Hospital, where he later passed away.
The fire went to two alarms, drawing mutual aid from area departments. Firefighters had the bulk of the heavy fire knocked down in about 20 minutes but the structure sustained significant damage and all residents have been displaced.
The origin and cause of the fire are under investigation by the Revere Fire Department, Revere Police Department, State Police fire investigators assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office, and State Police assigned to the Suffolk County DA’s office. They are assisted by the Department of Fire Services’ Code Compliance & Enforcement Unit. Preliminarily, they found no evidence that the fire was intentionally set.
The fire departments of Chelsea, Malden, Massport, and Winthrop provided mutual aid at the scene. Everett, Lynn, and Saugus provided station coverage. The Boston Sparks Association provided food and beverages to first responders at the scene.
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