Town Of Arlington: AFD Chief Reports On Early Morning Fire At Chestnut Manor

Press release from Town of Arlington:

01/22/2022 12:20 PM

Arlington Fire Chief Kevin Kelley reports that the Arlington Fire Department (AFD) responded to an early morning fire at Chestnut Manor, 54 Medford Street. The fire started on the third floor and fire officials were able to evacuate residents to a community room to keep them warm while they suppressed the fire. Two women were rescued from different apartments and taken to area hospitals. One woman was pronounced dead at the hospital, the other treated for non life-threatening injuries.

“I want to commend the women and men of the Arlington Fire for their swift response in suppressing the fire,” said Kelley. “We’re saddened by the loss of life. Our thoughts are with the family of the woman who died. We also want to thank Arlington Police Department, regional fire companies, and other organizations for their assistance.”

Fire companies from Belmont, Cambridge, Lexington, Medford, Somerville, Winchester, and Boston as well Armstrong Ambulance, Professional Ambulance, and the Red Cross provided support. Arlington Police assisted in evacuation, scene logistics, and assisting the Red Cross.

Chestnut Manor, run by the Arlington Housing Authority, is a housing complex for seniors and people with disabilities. 16 units on the first three floors of the building were affected by the fire. An investigation into the cause of the fire remains ongoing.

The Department of Health and Human Services, through the Council on Aging and along with the Arlington Housing Authority are working to set up a fund the help the victims of the fire.  We will post an update with this information.

This press release was produced by Town of Arlington. The views expressed here are the author’s own.