Salem Man Who Perished In Apartment Fire ID’d

SALEM, NH — The New Hampshire State Fire Marshal has released the name of the man who perished in an apartment fire last weekend in Salem. Eric Fraser, 35, has been identified as the victim of the two-alarm fire on Cluff Crossing Road on Feb. 10, 2018. The cause of the fire and manner of his death are pending additional tests, according to officials.

“The fire originated in the living room of Apartment 8, but the joint investigation into all the facts and circumstances surrounding the origin and cause of the fire continues,” according to a press statement.

Both Fire Marshal J. William Degnan and Salem Fire Chief Paul Parisi reminded residents that excess fire loading or hoarding is a significant fire hazard.

“Both occupants and responding firefighters can be put at risk due to obstructed exits, falling objects, and the weight of stored items, especially if water is added to put out the fire, which can lead to building collapse,” the release noted. “Hoarding also severely impedes search and rescue efforts for both people and pets.”

The five decade old apartment complex was equipped with detectors but no sprinklers, according to the Lawrence Eagle-Tribune. WMUR-TV noted that approximately 30 people were displaced after the fire and the Salem Human Services Department was attempting to help those people still in need. A number of businesses have also made donations.

According to his obituary, Fraser grew up in Andover, MA, and Salem. He was a machine operator and worked for Print Pro Silkscreen and Embroidery in Haverhill, MA.

A GoFundMe site was set up yesterday by his aunt – with a goal of raising $5,000 – to help the family offset funeral and other expenses. So far, nearly $3,500 has been raised.

Image via GoFundMe.com.