1 Dead In Multi-Family Salem House Fire Despite Heroic Save Efforts

SALEM, MA — A 62-year-old man is dead and a retired Salem deputy fire chief is being lauded for his efforts to save the victim after a fire broke out in a multi-family building on Roslyn Street on Tuesday afternoon.

According to multiple reports, neighbors called in the heavy smoke and fire coming from the house at about 1 p.m. One of the neighbors, John Payne, a retired Salem deputy fire chief, tried to enter the house to search for anyone inside, but the conditions made him and others who attempted to help turn around.

The victim was found on the third floor of the home and taken to Salem Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Salem Fire Chief Alan Dionne told reporters that hording conditions hampered efforts to battle the blaze. But that was brought under control in about 15 minutes.

A second alarm was struck as crews looked to contain the blaze.

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Salem Fire Department, Salem Police Department, State Police fire investigators assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s Office, and State Police assigned to the Essex District Attorney’s Office.