- Department of Fire Services
Media Contact
Jake Wark
METHUEN — A man who was hospitalized last night after a two-alarm fire succumbed to his injuries, said Methuen Fire Chief Tim Sheehy, Methuen Police Chief Scott McNamara, State Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey, and Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker.
“Tragically, this was another case involving a fatal fire in a residence without working smoke alarms,” said Chief Sheehy. “For your safety and the safety of people you care for, please be sure you have working smoke alarms on every level of your home. Test them every month, and if they take alkaline batteries then change the batteries twice a year. Replace the alarm itself after 10 years. I can’t stress this enough, for every member of our community: working smoke alarms save lives.”
Investigators from the Methuen Fire Department, Methuen Police Department, and State Police assigned to the offices of the State Fire Marshal and Essex County District Attorney determined that the fire at 97 Phillips St. began in a top-floor bedroom on the left side of the triple decker. They further determined that it was accidental, and found the most likely cause to be smoking materials.
“The unsafe or careless disposal of smoking materials is the leading cause of fire deaths in Massachusetts and nationally,” said State Fire Marshal Ostroskey. “There is no truly safe way to smoke, but smoking in bed or when you’re drowsy or impaired is especially dangerous.”
The Methuen Fire Department responded to the scene following a notification shortly before 6:00 yesterday evening. On arrival, they observed smoke showing and a fire on the third floor. Firefighters located the adult male victim inside and rescued him from the home. He was immediately transported to an area hospital and later passed away. Firefighters were able to contain the fire to the unit of origin, but three occupants of the lower floors have been temporarily displaced.
The Salem Fire Department provided mutual aid at the scene and the Lawrence Fire Department provided station coverage. The Red Cross of Massachusetts responded to assist displaced residents. Investigators were supported by the Department of Fire Services’ Code Compliance & Enforcement Unit.
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