Local News

Woman dead after fire, possible explosion at Wakefield home

The preliminary investigation suggests that the fire was not intentionally set, fire officials said.

December 9, 2024

1 minute to read

A fire in a multi-family home in Wakefield on Sunday left one woman dead, officials said.

At 8:44 a.m., the Wakefield Fire Department received multiple calls reporting an explosion at 318 Water St., according to a statement from the fire department.

Upon arrival, firefighters saw “heavy fire” coming from the third floor of the six-family residence, the statement said. Responders then struck a second alarm.

Wakefield firefighters and police rescued two adults from the home. Authorities said a woman was taken to Massachusetts General Hospital, where she later died. The other person is expected to survive.

Firefighters were able to get the fire under control in about 30 minutes with mutual aid assistance from Stoneham, Melrose, Reading, and North Reading.

Other building residents were able to escape safely, according to the department. The Red Cross and the Wakefield Office of Emergency Management are assisting residents displaced by the fire.

The preliminary investigation suggests that the fire was not intentionally set, fire officials said.

Investigators added that they found smoking materials and home oxygen equipment on the third floor — close to where the fire started.

According to fire officials, medical oxygen makes it easier for any fire to grow and spread, and smoking on or near home oxygen is especially dangerous.

“Our hearts go out to the family that lost a loved one today,” Fire Chief Michael Sullivan said. “This is a very sad day for them and the community.”