A fire that erupted late Thursday night at a Braintree, Massachusetts apartment complex left one woman dead and forced dozens out of their homes. According to Boston 25 News, the blaze was reported at around 10:30 p.m. at McCusker Drive. Firefighters, arriving at the scene, confronted light smoke initially which belied the ferocity of the flames they would find within.
The fire, which began in a bedroom, claimed the life of a 59-year-old woman who was discovered unresponsive on a bed. Acting Fire Chief Fred Viola stated that while other injuries did not occur, the incident did leave one firefighter with a cut, though a hospital visit was not necessary. As light smoke was seen when crews arrived at the complex, it masked the true intensity of the fire that had already taken full hold of the apartment.
Officials from various departments, including Fire Chief Viola, Police Chief Tim Cohoon, State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine, and Norfolk County District Attorney Michael W. Morrissey, issued a joint statement, detailing the firefighting efforts that managed to confine the fire to just the single apartment unit. The cause and manner of death will be determined by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, officials added.
The American Red Cross and the building's management company are assisting the displaced residents, numbering 25, in finding temporary shelter. According to the joint statement, although the investigation into the fire's origin is ongoing, the tragic incident is not being treated as suspicious. With the fire believed to have started in the bedroom, the management company and the Red Cross are helping the building's other occupants that are displaced.
