2-Alarm Waltham Fire That Left One Man Dead Under Investigation

WALTHAM, MA — Despite firefighters efforts to save him, one man died after being pulled from a 2-alarm fire Monday in Waltham.

Just before 7 p.m. Monday Waltham firefighters were called to Rumford Avenue for a 2-alarm fire. When they arrived there were flames shooting out from the top of the three story wood frame multi-family home.

At least one man escaped the fire but tried to go back and save his brother, who was trapped on the third floor, according to fire officials. Firefighters eventually found the man and pulled him from the fire unconscious, but were unable to save him.

"It appears that the bulk of the fire was in the room across from where he was. He was in the bathroom fully clothed. We're not sure what transpired yet," said Deputy Chief Thomas MacInnis to reporters.

By 7:30 p.m. the bulk of the fire was put out. Tuesday morning the charred top floor of the home was visible as fire officials continued an investigation.

A spokesperson for the Waltham Fire department told Patch a joint investigation is underway involving the State Fire Marshall, Waltham Police, and State Police as the cause is yet undetermined.

Waltham Fire Department Spokesperson Lt. Scott Perry said as far as he knew no other injuries were reported. Newton, Belmont, Weston, Lexington and Watertown helped with mutual aid he said, adding that fire fighters stayed on the scene until about 3 a.m. Tuesday.

The house was built around 1890 and is classified as a three-family home. It had three units with a total of six bedroom and three bathrooms. It was last accessed at $483,200.

File photo by Jenna Fisher/Patch