Statement on 12/19 Alewife Brook fire from Mayor Ballantyne

We are devastated by this loss of one of our own. Our hearts go out to the victim’s loved ones and friends as well as to all others affected by last night’s fire in the encampment near Alewife Brook. No one in our community should ever lose their life while seeking shelter from the cold.  

This tragedy is a painful reminder of why we must gather our resources as a community to support our unhoused residents. We are grateful to have a community that supports our work to provide multiple services and outreach to help protect our unhoused neighbors.  Among those, Somerville is operating an overnight warming center at the Cummings Building, which is open nightly from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. until mid-April. The center provides hot and cold meals, water, bathrooms, beds, and space to sleep. Any adult experiencing homelessness is welcome. 

 

Additionally, the Somerville Homeless Coalition operates a daytime engagement center offering essential services including housing support and case management. If you or someone you know is facing homelessness, please point them our way. Even as we continue to hit the streets daily, your voice and concern may also help.

 

We remain committed to supporting all members of our community, as our hearts remain somberly with those mourning this life lost too soon.

 

 

Fatal Outdoor Fire Under Investigation in Somerville

Multiple Potential Causes; All Appear Accidental

One person is deceased after a fire that broke out yesterday in a wooded area near Alewife Brook Parkway, said Somerville Fire Chief Charles Breen, Somerville Police Chief Shumeane Benford, State Fire Marshal Jon Davine, and Middlesex County District Attorney Marian T. Ryan.

The Somerville Fire Department responded to a wooded area near Alewife Brook Parkway and Broadway just after 4:00 yesterday afternoon to find heavy fire engulfing a small encampment. Firefighters stretched a hose line from an engine to attack the fire and discovered an unresponsive woman who was declared dead at the scene.

“This was a very sad event and our thoughts are with the victim right now,” said Chief Breen.

Piled wood and debris in the area contributed to a heavy fuel load. Firefighters knocked down the bulk of the fire in about 10 minutes but remained on scene for about three hours to extinguish smoldering hot spots and assist the investigation. They had to cut through a chain link fence to allow unimpeded access to the site.

The scene was examined by the Somerville Fire Department, Somerville Police, and State Police assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office, Middlesex District Attorney’s office, and Troop A. They identified multiple potential ignition sources, all of which appear accidental, but the investigation remains open. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will conduct a formal identification procedure and determine the cause and manner of the woman’s death.

Firefighters and investigators were supported by the Somerville Auxiliary Fire Department’s Squad 1 and Department of Conservation & Recreation staff.

State Fire Marshal Davine said a similar fire in Millbury claimed a woman’s life in October, when an open flame in or near a tent spread to combustible materials and surrounding brush.