LOWELL and NEWTON, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Two fatal fires earlier this month were most likely caused by smoking materials, which is the most common cause of fire deaths nationwide.
In a press release on Thursday, the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services shared the investigations of two separate fires in Lowell and Newton and identified the victims.
The March 16 fire in Lowell on Farmland Road was caused by the unsafe disposal of smoking materials, according to the state and local officials who investigated.
The Middlesex County District Attorney’s office has identified the victim as Charles Bearden of Lowell. He was 56 years old. Another occupant at the home was treated for non-life threatening injures.
“I again want to express our sorrow for Mr. Bearden’s passing and recognize the loss his family has suffered,” said Lowell Fire Chief Phillip Charron.
“For the rest of our community, I want to emphasize that there’s no truly safe way to smoke, but it’s especially dangerous to smoke when you’re drowsy or impaired. Smoking materials are the #1 cause of fatal fires nationwide. For your safety and the safety of your family, please don’t risk a fire – especially in bed, when you’re least able to react.”
In Newton last Sunday, there was another fatal fire on Walnut Street that officials believe was also caused by smoking materials.
The victim was identified as 69-year-old Scott Patz of Newton, and another person was injured but did not need to be transported for further treatment.
“Mr. Patz and his loved ones remain in our thoughts at the Newton Fire Department and across our city,” said Newton Fire Chief Gregory Gentile.
“We also want to remind our residents that more than 100 Massachusetts residents have lost their lives in smoking fires over the past 10 years, and hundreds more have been injured or lost their homes. If you must smoke, or if you have guests who do, it’s important to use a heavy ashtray with water or sand and fully extinguish your smoking materials. Put it out, all the way, every time.”
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Investigators did not find working smoke alarms at either scene.
State Fire Marshal Jon Davine warned residents about the dangers of not having functional alarms.
“A house fire can become deadly in less than three minutes. Smoke alarms can give you the warning you need to get out quickly, especially when you’re sleeping. Test them every month to be sure your family is protected, and practice an escape route so you know where to go when you hear them activate. No property is worth your life – get out and stay out when you hear the smoke alarm sounding.”
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