Two killed in early Christmas house fire in Acushnet

ACUSHNET, Mass. — Two people have died and a firefighter was injured after an early-morning house fire on Christmas Day in Acushnet.

According to Acushnet Fire, crews responded to 34 Garfield St. around 1:50 a.m. on Christmas morning following multiple 9-1-1 calls.

Upon arrival, firefighters observed heavy smoke and flames and learned that three people were unaccounted for.

One resident escaped safely after a neighbor who saw the fire pounded on his door. Another resident was later determined to be out of the country.

Firefighters immediately began attacking the fire, which had caused a partial collapse of the roof and major structural damage to the two-and-a-half-story home.

Fire crews made entry and found two residents dead inside.

“It’s just a sad situation,” explained Nathan Macedo, who lives across the street. He helped move cars out of the way of firefighters so they could do their job as quickly as possible.

Firefighters battled the flames for about an hour before bringing it under control.

One firefighter was transported for evaluation but is expected to recover.

The victims are preliminarily believed to be a man and a woman, both in their 80s.

“He actually gave me my first keyboard, and I would go there Saturday mornings. He would teach me piano,” explained Casity Brun who knew the victims.

Brun said they were always together and doing things for the community.

The Chief Medical Examiner will conduct a formal identification procedure and determine the cause and manner of their deaths.

“On behalf of the Acushnet Fire Department, I want to express our heartfelt condolences to the victims’ family and loved ones,” said Chief Farland. “This is a heartbreaking day for them and our community.”

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Acushnet Fire Department, Acushnet Police and the State Fire Marshal’s office.

Witnesses and first responders reported that they did not hear smoke alarms sounding when they arrived, investigators said.

“Our hearts go out to the family at a time of such terrible loss,” said State Fire Marshal Davine.

“We’ve seen too many tragedies this year. Please, if you do one thing today, talk to the people you care about and be sure they have working smoke alarms on every level of their homes,” Davine added.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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