Marlborough Fire: Smoking Cause Of Fatal Early Morning Blaze

MARLBOROUGH, MA—The improper disposal of smoking materials has been ruled the cause of a house fire that took the life of a woman and her cat early Thursday morning.

Deputy State Fire Marshal Maribel Fournier, Marlborough Fire Chief Kevin J. Breen and Marlborough Police Chief David Giorgi said the cause of the fire at 86 Neil St. was the improper disposal of smoking materials.

The fire began in the living room near the couch, said officials. The occupants of the other side of the duplex at 88 Neil St. were alerted to the fire by the sound of the smoke alarms at 86, and were able to safely escape. Investigators believe the victim may have tried to fight the fire herself as they found the water in the kitchen sink running.

Chief Breen said in a statement, “On behalf of the city of Marlborough and the men and women of the fire department I offer my deepest condolences to the friends and family who have lost a loved one. I would remind everyone that you have only minutes to escape a fire. Don’t delay. Get out, stay out and call 9-1-1 from outside the fire.”

The name of the deceased woman has not been released, but it is known that the woman is between 55 and 60 years of age and was found unresponsive on the first floor by firefighters.

Deputy State Fire Marshal Fournier said, “Smoking has been the cause of nine of the 28 fire deaths in our state in 2017. Recently, as smokers have moved outdoors, there have been dozens of outside fires started by the improper disposal of smoking materials.” She added, “Whether indoors or out, put cigarettes out all the way, every time, in a sturdy ashtray or a can with sand, to prevent smoking fires.”