For Immediate Release

Tuesday, March 8, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Contact: Jessica Sacco
Phone: 978-769-5193
Email: jessica@jgpr.net

One Killed, Three Firefighters Injured In Two-Alarm House Fire In West Newbury

WEST NEWBURY — Chief Michael Dwyer reports that one resident was killed and three West Newbury firefighters were injured after a two-alarm house fire this morning.

The West Newbury Fire Department responded at 7:15 a.m. to a two-story wood-framed house located at 33 Meeting House Hill Road.

Initial responding units found heavy fire upon arrival and were unable to make entry into the home due to the conditions. A second alarm was ordered.

Firefighters had the heaviest flames controlled in about an hour and 40 minutes. While on scene, it was determined that a resident of the home was missing. The body of an elderly man was later recovered.

The victim is believed to be the homeowner, but officials are awaiting a positive identification from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. No name is being released at this time.

While battling the fire, three West Newbury firefighters were transported to Anna Jaques Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

“This was an extremely involved fire, and it took the combined efforts of several fire departments to bring the fire under control,” Chief Dwyer said. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victim’s family during this difficult time.”

Firefighters from Newbury, Newburyport, Amesbury, Groveland and Merrimack responded to the scene to assist. Newburyport, Amesbury and Merrimack units also covered the West Newbury station. State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey and investigators assigned to his office responded to the scene.

The home was destroyed. The origin and cause of the fire are currently under investigation by the West Newbury Police and Fire Departments and the State Fire Marshal’s Office. The Essex County District Attorney’s Office is also investigating, as the office has jurisdiction over unattended deaths in Essex County.

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