WAKEFIELD — Wakefield Fire Chief Michael J. Sullivan, Wakefield Police Chief Steven A. Skory, State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine, and Middlesex County District Attorney Marian T. Ryan report that Sunday morning’s two-alarm fire has claimed one resident’s life.
“Our hearts go out to the family that lost a loved one today,” said Chief Sullivan. “This is a very sad day for them and the community.”
The preliminary investigation by the Wakefield Fire Department, Wakefield Police Department, State Police fire investigators assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office, and State Police assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney’s office suggests that the fire was not intentionally set.
Investigators found smoking materials and home oxygen equipment in the area of origin, located on the third floor. Medical oxygen makes it easier for any fire to grow and spread, fire officials said. Smoking on or near home oxygen is especially dangerous.
On Sunday, Dec. 8, at approximately 8:44 a.m., the Wakefield Fire Department received multiple calls reporting an explosion at 318 Water St.
On arrival, firefighters observed heavy fire coming from the third floor of the six-family dwelling and quickly struck a second alarm.
Wakefield firefighters and police officers rescued two adults from the home. One was transported to Massachusetts General Hospital, where she later passed away; the second is expected to survive. Other residents escaped safely. Witnesses and first responders heard smoke alarms activating.
Firefighters brought the fire under control in about 30 minutes with mutual aid companies from Stoneham, Melrose, Reading, and North Reading. The fire departments of Lynnfield, Saugus, and Woburn provided station coverage. The Red Cross and the Wakefield Office of Emergency Management are assisting residents displaced by the fire.
