Fatal Hyannis Fire Ruled Accidental, Smoking The Likely Cause

HYANNIS, MA — The fatal Hyannis fire that left one dead and two injured was ruled accidental with smoking the likely cause.

The fire was reported to Barnstable police around 5:23 a.m. on Wednesday morning, with Hyannis fire and police officials dispatched to the 326 Oakland Rd. home shortly after.

Officials were made aware that people were trapped inside the home while they were en route, and arrived to find the home "substantially involved in fire."

Two people were outside the home when officials arrived on the scene, but one remained trapped inside the home.

A second alarm was requested, bringing mutual aid from the fire departments of Yarmouth, Dennis, Barnstable, West Barnstable, Cotuit and Centerville-Osterville-Marston Mills to assist. The bulk of the heavy fire was knocked down in about 15 minutes, officials said.

Two people were taken to Cape Cod Hospital for treatment, but one adult man was found dead in the home.

Fire investigators determined that the fire began in the victim’s bedroom and was not suspicious. They found numerous cigarettes and other evidence of smoking materials in this area.

“Smoking is historically the leading cause of fatal fires in Massachusetts and nationwide,” said State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine. “Smoking materials have been a potential factor in at least eight fire deaths in Massachusetts this year alone. In just two days, fires in Waltham, Whitman, and Somerville have been attributed to the unsafe disposal of smoking materials. If you still smoke or have guests who do, please use a heavy ashtray with water or sand and remember to put it out, all the way, every time.”

The Red Cross of Massachusetts is assisting the two survivors with finding shelter as the home was ruled a total loss.