Sign up for the Today newsletter
Get everything you need to know to start your day, delivered right to your inbox every morning.
Woman, 90, dies in Middleborough fire likely caused by smoking materials
Officials found there were no working smoke alarms in the home, according to the department.
A 90-year-old woman died in a house fire likely started by smoking materials early Monday morning, fire officials said.
First responders arrived at 72 Everett St. around 2:50 a.m. and encountered “heavy fire conditions” in the two-story home, according to the Middleborough Fire Department.
Three occupants of the home were able to exit the building before first responders arrived, but firefighters found an elderly woman on the first floor who had not been able to escape, according to the department.
The woman, identified Sept. 2 as Anne Tichelaar, was pronounced dead at the scene, the department said.
Advertisement:
Local and state officials believe the fire was started with smoking materials.
Massachusetts State Police fire investigators determined the fire began accidentally with smoking materials in the first-floor living room.
Officials also found there were no working smoke alarms in the home, according to the department.
“On behalf of the Middleborough Fire Department, I again want to express our heartfelt condolences to Ms. Tichelaar’s loved ones,” said Thompson. “I also want to remind all our residents that smoking is the leading cause of fatal fires in Massachusetts. Please, if you smoke or have guests who do, always use a heavy ashtray with water or sand and put it out, all the way, every time.”
Advertisement:
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine Tichelaar’s exact cause and manner of her death, officials said.
Thompson said this incident marked the third fatal fire within two years in Middleborough.
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com