For Immediate Release

Thursday, March 8, 2018

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

Andover Fire Rescue Responds to Apartment Complex for Fatal Two-Alarm Fire

ANDOVER — Fire Chief Michael Mansfield reports that Andover Fire Rescue responded to a fatal two-alarm fire at an apartment complex this morning.

At 11:05 a.m., Andover Fire received a report of a fire at Andover Commons, 30 Railroad St. — a four-story building with 167 units.

Upon arrival, crews were met with smoke showing from a fourth floor apartment on the south side of the complex. A second alarm was ordered. The Lawrence, Methuen, Tewksbury, Wilmington, North Reading and North Andover Fire Departments provided mutual aid and station coverage.

Residents from throughout the complex were moved from their apartments to common areas within the building while crews made an aggressive attack.

An 80-year old male resident was located by fire crews in his apartment. Firefighters performed emergency life-saving measures and he was transported to Lawrence General Hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

No other injuries were reported.

Once the fire was put out, Andover Fire remained on scene for several hours checking for hot spots and extension. All residents were then able to return to their apartments.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by Andover Fire Rescue, the Andover Police Department, the State Fire Marshal and the Essex District Attorney Crime Prevention and Control (CPAC) Unit.

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