Resident Dies Following Fire At Wakefield Home

WAKEFIELD, MA — One person died and residents were displaced in a two-alarm fire Sunday morning, according to fire officials.

“Our hearts go out to the family that lost a loved one today,” Chief Michael Sullivan said in a statement. “This is a very sad day for them and the community.”

Multiple calls came in reporting a fire at 318 Water St. at 8:44 a.m.

Firefighters arrived and saw heavy fire coming from the third floor of the six-family home and struck a second alarm.

Firefighters and police officers rescued two adults from the home. One was taken to Massachusetts General Hospital where she later died. The second person is expected to survive.

Other residents escaped safely, according to fire officials. Witnesses and first responders heard smoke alarms activating.

It took 30 minutes for firefighters to bring the blaze under control with mutual aid from other companies.

Fire officials said an investigation suggests that the fire was not intentionally set.

Investigators found smoking materials and home oxygen equipment in the area where the fire started on the third floor.

Medical oxygen makes it easier for any fire to grow and spread, fire officials said. Smoking on or near home oxygen is especially dangerous.

The Red Cross and the Wakefield Office of Emergency Management are assisting residents displaced by the fire.