Encampment Fire Kills One In Somerville: Report

SOMERVILLE, MA — A person died in a fire at an encampment in the vicinity of Alewife Brook Thursday, according to a report from WCVB Newscenter 5.

The fire department responded at approximately 4 p.m. and found that someone had died after putting out the blaze. The person’s name has not been released.

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne said that no one should ever lose their life while seeking shelter from the cold weather.

“We are devastated by this loss of one of our own. Our hearts go out to the victim's loved ones and friends as well as to all others affected by last night's fire in the encampment near Alewife Brook,” Ballantyne said in a statement. “This tragedy is a painful reminder of why we must gather our resources as a community to support our unhoused residents. We are grateful to have a community that supports our work to provide multiple services and outreach to help protect our unhoused neighbors.”

Read more at WCVB Newscenter 5.