Fatal Southington Fire: Victim Identified, Some Causes Ruled Out: SFD

SOUTHINGTON, CT — Local fire officials on Wednesday updated the status of their investigation into a fatal fire in Southington earlier this week, identifying the victims and ruling out one cause.

Southington Fire Department Chief Eric Heath confirmed the identity of the man killed as being Stephen Chapin, 74.

Chapin was the lone occupant of a home on Chaffee Lane in Southington that was destroyed by fire Monday, Aug. 25.

According to the SFD, firefighters found Chapin deceased inside 2 Chaffee Lane while searching the burning home.

The fire department said no other civilians or firefighters were injured in the blaze.

According to the SFD, the department was dispatched to that address at about 2:28 a.m. Monday for a report of a structure fire.

When multiple SFD units arrived, firefighters saw a column of smoke showing at the home, with fire visible from a corner of the house.

As for what caused the fire, Heath said that has yet to be determined, but investigators have ruled out some potential causes.

"The cause is still under investigation and undetermined at this time," Heath told Patch Wednesday morning. "However, we have ruled out arson or an intentional incendiary cause or action."

The blaze is being investigated by the Southington Fire Marshal's Office, the Southington Police Department, and the CT State Police Fire and Explosive Investigation Unit.

From Aug. 25: '1 Dead In Southington House Fire Monday Morning: SFD'