Press Release  Rockland Fatal Fire Started with Electrical Event

ROCKLAND — An electrical event caused a three-alarm fire that claimed one person’s life and injured another on Vernon Street last week, said Rockland Fire Chief Scott F. Duffey, Rockland Police Chief Nicholas P. Zeoli, State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine, and Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz.

In the early morning hours of June 21, the Rockland Fire Department responded to 72 Vernon St. for a report of a fire. On arrival, they observed smoke and heavy fire in the rear of the two-story, single-family home. One occupant of the home, a man in his 90s, escaped with firefighters’ assistance after hearing smoke alarms. Firefighters immediately made entry to locate a second occupant, who was found unresponsive inside. They began lifesaving measures at the scene and the victim was transported to the hospital with injuries that tragically proved fatal.

She has been identified as Martha Murphy, 87.

The fire’s origin and cause were investigated by the Rockland Fire Department, Rockland Police Department, State Police fire investigators assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office, and State Police assigned to the Plymouth County District Attorney’s office. They were supported by the Department of Fire Services’ Code Compliance & Enforcement Unit.

Investigators identified the area of origin as the back right corner of the structure, where the wall was consumed by fire and burned away. Interviews indicated that the fire began at or around a wall outlet in this area. Nearby, investigators located an air conditioner and other electrical appliances that appear to have been plugged into a power strip.

Chief Duffey and State Fire Marshal Davine reminded residents that heavy appliances, including heating and cooling appliances like air conditioners and space heaters, should always be plugged directly into a wall outlet. The electrical current drawn by heavy appliances or too many devices can overload an extension cord or power strip, causing a fire.

The fire drew mutual aid companies from Abington, Whitman, Hanover, Hanson, Norwell, Hingham, Brockton, Weymouth, and Randolph. The Holbrook Fire Department provided station coverage. Ambulances from Pembroke and South Shore Hospital provided medical assistance and the Department of Fire Services, Boston Sparks, and Whitman CERT provided rehab services. Firefighters battled the blaze for about an hour before it was knocked down. 

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