An overnight blaze in Oakham, Massachusetts, claimed the life of one individual early this morning, as fire crews contended with subzero temperatures and freezing equipment. The fatal fire at 67 Skyline Drive was first reported around 12:45 a.m., according to officials from the state Department of Fire Services.
Upon their arrival, firefighters discovered a police officer from Rutland already at the scene, who had made a valiant yet unsuccessful effort to enter the flame-engulfed home. As reported by Boston 25 News, the officer was repelled by the intense smoke and fire. Firefighters were faced with the additional hindrance of frigid single-digit temperatures that caused hoses to freeze, compelling the team to request water tankers for extinguishing the inferno.
The Oakham Fire Department, with the support of several neighboring departments, battled the conditions to bring the fire under control. However, it was subsequently discovered that the home's sole inhabitant had not survived. "Our hearts go out to the family that lost a loved one this morning," Oakham Fire Chief Timothy Howe said in a statement obtained by NBC Boston. "This is a sad day for them and the community."
The investigation into the origin and cause of the fire is underway, involving multiple agencies, including the Oakham Fire Department, Oakham Police, State Police fire investigators assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office, and State Police Detectives assigned to the Worcester DA’s office. Details about the victim have not been released, pending the results from the chief medical examiner's office, which is tasked with determining cause and manner of death.
