A woman died in an outdoor fire in Millbury last night, leading to an investigation by local fire and police departments, along with state authorities. According to Mass.gov, the fire occurred near the Blackstone River Bikeway and Route 146, where the victim was found at an encampment believed to be the fire's origin.
Responding to a call around 8:20 p.m., Massachusetts State Police discovered the fire and the victim, who was pronounced dead at the scene by the Millbury Fire Department after the blaze was extinguished. The area remains open to the public, but the determination and formal identification of the victim are pending by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
A joint statement from Millbury Fire Chief Steven M. Kosiba, Police Chief Brian S. Lewos, State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine, and Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. noted that the cause of the fire has not yet been determined. This situation occurs against a backdrop of heightened fire risk in Massachusetts, with a Red Flag warning in effect due to conditions that could lead to rapid fire spread.
The collaborative investigation includes the Millbury Fire and Police Departments and State Police assigned to the offices of the State Fire Marshal and Worcester District Attorney. TAuthorities are investigating the origin and cause of the fatal fire in connection with the ongoing drought in Massachusetts, as reported by Mass.gov.
Fire officials have noted an ongoing elevated risk of fire in the state, with the Red Flag warning indicating that any ignition could potentially develop into a difficult-to-control blaze. These conditions were present yesterday and remain today as the investigation continues.
