Danvers Fatal Fire Victim ID'd, No Working Smoke Alarms Found

DANVERS, MA — State and local fire officials are urging residents on the North Shore to check their smoke alarms to make sure they are installed and working after no working alarms were found at a home where a resident was killed in a fire on Tuesday afternoon.

Mark Oliver, 68, was identified as the fire victim when his home on MacArthur Boulevard went up in flames shortly after noon on Tuesday. Neighbors alerted the Danvers Police Department of the fire, where Danvers Fire Chief Brian Barry said crews encountered deep snow, heavy smoke, and "extreme clutter" within the house.

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Barry said crews were able to enter the home from a sliding door in the back — after finding the floor compromised near the front door — shortly upon arriving, but found the victim dead at the scene.

He was the only person found to be in the building at the time of the blaze.

State Fire Officials said this is the third fatal fire this year in which no working smoke alarms were found.

"I want to remind all our residents that smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are vital home safety tools," Barry said. "If you need help installing, maintaining, or replacing your alarms, please call us."

"Every household needs working smoke alarms on every level of the home, but older adults are at
greatest risk of death or serious injury in a fire," State Fire Marshal John Davine said. "Check the manufacturing date printed on the back of your alarms and replace them if they’re more than 10 years old. If it's time for a replacement, choose one from a well-known, national brand that's got a sealed, long-life battery and a hush feature."

Residents are advised to check their alarms monthly to make sure they are working and to change the battery backup twice a year if alarms are hardwired.

Barry said firefighters were able to bring the fire under control in about 10 minutes after their arrival.

The origin and cause remain under investigation by the Danvers Fire Department, Danvers Police Department, State Police fire investigators assigned to the State Fire Marshal's office, and State Police assigned to the Essex County District Attorney's office.