Deadly sculptor fire found to have started in the kitchen

CARVER (WBSM) – Authorities have determined that a fire that killed a 69-year-old man in Carver started in the kitchen, but there are no signs it was intentionally set.

In a joint release today, Carver Fire Chief Craig F. Weston, Carver Police Chief Mark Dufily, State Fire Marshal John M. Davin, and Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Crews disclosed the results of their investigation into the fire. .

The Plymouth County District Attorney's Office identified the victim as James Collins of Carver.

“On behalf of the Carver Fire Department, I would like to extend our deepest condolences to Mr. Collins' loved ones,” Chief Weston said. “This was a very sad loss for his family and the community.”

On March 20 at 10:59 p.m., first responders received a report of a fire at 222 Tremont Street. Firefighters arrived at his two-story home within three minutes and found heavy fire.

Weston said a person was trapped inside the home, and firefighters and Carver police entered the home and quickly found Collins on the first floor. They succeeded in removing him from the building, but his injuries proved fatal. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Another resident of the home was also injured and taken to a local hospital. The person has since been released and is reportedly recovering.

read more: Sculptor dies in house fire

An investigation into the fire by the Carver Fire Department, Carver Police Department, Massachusetts State Police attached to the State Fire Marshal's Office, and State Police attached to the State Police Bureau determined that the fire started in the kitchen, but that multiple potential The cause has been identified.

“The standards used by Massachusetts State Police fire investigators require investigators to rule out all but one potential contributing factor before determining the cause of a fire,” the agency said in a statement. Ta.

“Since investigators were unable to rule out incidents related to cookware, lithium-ion batteries, or electrical appliances, all of which were present in the country of origin, they will remain officially undetermined. But “Investigators found no evidence that the fire was intentionally set,” the release states.

State Fire Marshal Davin said about 80% of home fires start in the kitchen.

“While we don't know the exact cause of this fire, we do know that following a home evacuation plan can reduce the risk of injury or further harm,” he said. “If possible, make sure you and your family have two ways to exit the house and two ways to exit from each room. If you are on the ground floor, one exit could be a window. Please remember that there is.”