Press Release  No Working Smoke Alarms in Tragic Attleboro Fire

ATTLEBORO — Investigators found no working smoke alarms at the scene of a fire that claimed two Attleboro residents' lives, State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine said.

The Attleboro Fire Department responded to 32 Andover Avenue at about 11:50 yesterday morning for a well-being check and found two residents deceased and signs of a significant past fire within the single-family home. The Bristol County District Attorney's office identified the residents as Paul Courtemanche, 76, and Carol Courtemanche, 78. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the cause and manner of their deaths.

The origin and cause of the fire were investigated by State Police fire investigators assigned to the State Fire Marshal's office jointly with the Attleboro Fire Department, Attleboro Police Department, and State Police assigned to the Bristol DA's office. They were supported by the Department of Fire Services' Code Compliance & Enforcement Unit, who found no working smoke or carbon monoxide alarms inside.

"Everyone needs working smoke alarms on every level of their home," said State Fire Marshal Davine. "Most modern furnishings are petroleum-based synthetics. The smoke they release when they burn is especially toxic, making house fires grow deadly faster than ever before. Working smoke alarms can alert you to that danger before it's too late."

More than half of this year's fire deaths involved residents aged 65 or older, State Fire Marshal Davine said. 

Based on an examination of the scene, witness interviews, and other evidence, investigators are looking at accidental factors and do not believe the fire was intentionally set..

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