Press Release  Townsend Man Dies Following Sunday Morning House Fire

TOWNSEND — A 61-year-old Townsend man died Sunday morning following a fire in his Burgess Road home, according to Townsend Fire–EMS Chief of Department Gary Shepherd, Townsend Police Chief James P. Sartell, State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine, and Middlesex County District Attorney Marian T. Ryan.

Townsend Fire–EMS responded to 5 Burgess Road on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at approximately 6:15 am after a neighbor reported visible flames. While en route, firefighters observed heavy smoke and fire coming through the roof and immediately struck a second alarm to bring additional resources to the scene.

Firefighters located the sole occupant inside the residence and removed him from the home. He was transported to Leominster Hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the cause and manner of his death. His dog also perished in the fire and was discovered during a primary search of the residence.

The home sustained catastrophic structural damage, including a total collapse of the right side of the building. Firefighters knocked down the bulk of the fire within approximately one hour and remained on scene into the afternoon for overhaul operations and investigation.

“On behalf of Townsend Fire–EMS, I want to express our heartfelt condolences to the family that lost a loved one,” Chief Shepherd said. “This is a terrible loss for them and a sad day in our community. I want to recognize the Townsend firefighters who took immediate action to rescue the resident and then attacked the fire with systematic discipline for structural fire suppression. We are grateful to our mutual aid partners who provided additional support to mitigate any potential exposures.”

The fire remains under investigation by Townsend Fire–EMS, Townsend Police, State Police fire investigators assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office, State Police assigned to the Middlesex County District Attorney’s office, and the District 8 Fire Investigation Unit with assistance from the Department of Fire Services’ Code Compliance & Enforcement Unit.

Investigators collectively determined that the fire started in the central area of the home, but the exact cause remains under investigation.

“It’s too early to say exactly how this fire started, but we know that heating fires tend to increase in the winter months,” said State Fire Marshal Davine. “No matter how you heat your home, always keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating appliances on all sides.”

“Sunday’s fire serves as an important reminder of the dangers associated with residential fires,” Chief Shepherd said. He and State Fire Marshal Davine urged residents to be sure they have working smoke alarms on every level of their homes, test them every month, and replace them after 10 years. Residents who heat their homes with fireplaces and wood stoves should always use a fireplace screen or keep the stove door closed to prevent embers from escaping and igniting nearby combustibles. Having chimneys and flues inspected and cleaned each year can help reduce the risk of chimney fires that can spread to the main structure.

Community awareness and neighbor support remain critical to public safety, Chief Shepherd said. He also expressed appreciation to the neighbor who identified and shoveled out a nearby fire hydrant as fire apparatus approached the scene. Winter conditions can create additional challenges for firefighters, and residents are encouraged to locate hydrants in their neighborhoods and clear them when possible.

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