A tragic incident unfolded in Methuen as a two-alarm house fire on Atkinson Street resulted in the death of one individual early this morning. Methuen Fire Chief David A. Toto, along with Methuen Police Chief Scott J. McNamara and State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine, confirmed the casualty and the commencement of an investigation into the blaze, according to the Massachusetts government website.
Responding to a call at approximately 2:20 a.m., firefighters from the Methuen Fire Department arrived at 38 Atkinson Street to find heavy smoke and flames emitting from a single-family home. In an effort to combat the inferno, responders were met with a formidable adversary, being blocked by heavy clutter while trying to make entry, which promptly forced them into defensive operations to ensure the safety of the surrounding area. "They lost a loved one and their home. This is a very sad day for them and the community," Chief Toto expressed condolences to the family, as noted by the state's official website.
The firefight persisted for over four hours. Of the home's occupants, three managed to escape the inferno, but one was found deceased within. While the identity of the victim has not been released, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is tasked with determining the cause and manner of the deceased's passing.
Investigative efforts to pinpoint the origin and cause of the fire are robust, involving the Methuen Fire and Police Departments, State Police fire investigators assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office, and State Police attached to the Essex DA’s office. While authorities have said that the fire does not appear suspicious and confirmed that working smoke alarms were found at the scene, the structure itself sustained catastrophic damage in an incident enveloped by tragedy.
The cross-border collaboration saw the Salem, NH, Fire Department providing mutual aid on-site, and the Lawrence Fire Department offering station coverage during this harrowing time for the Methuen community. The investigation continues with the support of the Department of Fire Services’ Code Compliance & Enforcement Unit.
