Melrose Fire Claims Life Despite Bravery, Quick Thinking (Video)

MELROSE, MA — Julian Davis has been running into burning buildings since he joined the Somerville Fire Department in 2002. He likely hasn't run into many in just a t-shirt, as he did Wednesday afternoon on Grove Street.

Unfortunately, his braveness — and the quick thinking of a 12-year-old passerby, who called in the fire — weren't enough. The fire killed an elderly woman living in the home, Patch learned from officials on the scene. A cat was also recovered from inside the home, witnesses said. Subscribe to Melrose Patch for more real-time alerts and local news.

The victim has yet to be identified. She is believed to have lived at 85 Grove Street, which neighbors said had housed a family for decades.

A young boy by the name of Tyler Audet was coming home from the YMCA when he "saw a ton of smoke coming from the house," he told Patch. He and another passerby, Henry Lime, of Somerville, made the call.

"We turned around and the (rear first-floor window) blew out," he said said. "Flames."

More than a dozen firefighters responded on a day when high temperatures tied a record in Boston. Davis, who lives nearby, was driving home when he saw the smoke.

"Another Melrose firefighter and I went into the second-floor porch," Davis said. "He kicked the door open. But we didn't find anything.

"The smoke was too thick."

With no gear, Davis pulled out as Melrose firefighters arrived. It was an admirable effort by those passing by and the first responders.

On this day, however, the fire was too much. And Melrose lost a woman who neighbors said was a delightful part of the neighborhood, though no one knew too much about her.

"She would walk by every day, and we'd say 'hi,'" one elderly woman who lives across the street told Patch. "She was always smiling."

You can see photos of the scene above video below from Melrose Patch Facebook.

Patch will update this breaking story

Photos, video by Mike Carraggi, Patch staff