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Officials give update on deadly Christmas Eve fire in Needham
Investigators believe that the blaze, which killed a 21-year-old woman, was accidental.
Officials gave an update Friday on the investigation surrounding a deadly Christmas Eve fire that occurred in Needham.
The blaze appears to have started in the home’s garage, and investigators believe this was accidental, according to a joint release from local and state officials.
“We haven’t determined the cause of this fire yet, but we know that tragedies like this one are most common in the winter months,” State Fire Marshal Jon Davine said in a statement. “Please be sure you have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home and a practiced escape plan in the event of an emergency.”
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Authorities confirmed earlier this week that a 21-year-old woman died in the fire. Her identity has still not been made public. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner said it will formally identify her and determine the cause and manner of death in the near future.
The fire, which occurred at at 28 Woodworth Road, is being investigated by the Needham Fire Department, the Needham Police Department, and State Police. Investigators have examined the scene, interviewed witnesses, and collected other evidence over the past two days.
They believe the fire began in the rear of an attached garage located on the right side of the three-story, single-family home. Investigators have identified multiple potential heat sources that could have caused the fire. All of them would have been accidental sources, officials said.
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First responders were called to the home just before 5 a.m. on Wednesday. They immediately attempted to enter the building, but were pushed back by heavy smoke and flames. The fire quickly spread throughout the structure, causing “catastrophic” damage, officials said. Two adults were able to escape, but the victim was later found dead inside.
The fire caused a four-alarm response, bringing about 75 firefighters from neighboring communities to the scene. They worked for more than seven hours to bring the fire under control.
“Our thoughts have been with the family since the early morning hours of December 24 and they remain with the family today,” Needham Fire Chief Thomas Conroy said in a statement. “I want to recognize the outpouring of compassion from Needham residents who are sending their love and support.”
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