Report: Lamp Caused Fatal Highland Terrace Fire

Beverly, MA - Fire officials have determined that a living room lamp caused a fatal Highland Terrace fire, which took the life of Beverly resident Clark Young Thursday.

The state fire marshal was on-scene 9 Highland Terrace, and told The Boston Globe that the exact cause is unclear -- whether there was an electrical failure or whether the lamp in Young's unit was accidentally knocked over, sparking the fire.

Young, 78 was pronounced dead at the scene.

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• PHOTO: Patch's initial report on the Highland Terrace fire

In a statement, the Beverly Fire Department explained the series of events that transpired early Thursday morning and extended its condolences Clark's family.

The Beverly Fire Department responded to a report of a building fire at 9 Highland Terrace. Upon arrival, crews encountered a rapidly developing fire with reports of a trapped occupant. Companies began an aggressive interior search but the fire conditions continued to deteriorate and crews were driven from the home.

In spite of the best efforts of all of the firefighters on scene, one occupant trapped by the fire deceased. All of us are deeply saddened by the loss and our hearts go out to the family.

Crews continue to work at the scene to completely extinguish hot spots and to assist in the investigation.

>> Photo courtesy WHDH 7 News