Fatal Carver Fire Determined to Have Started in Kitchen

CARVER (WBSM) – Authorities have determined that the fatal fire in Carver that killed a 69-year-old man started in the kitchen but does not show any signs of being intentionally set.

In a joint release today, Carver Fire Chief Craig F. Weston, Carver Police Chief Marc Duphily, State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine and Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz revealed the results of the investigation into the fire.

The Plymouth County District Attorney’s office identified the victim as James Collins of Carver.

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“On behalf of the Carver Fire Department, I want to express our heartfelt condolences to Mr. Collins’ loved ones,” Chief Weston said. “This was a very sad loss for his family and the community.”

First responders received a report of a fire at 222 Tremont Street at 10:59 p.m. on March 20. Firefighters arrived at the two-story home within three minutes and found heavy fire.

Chief Weston said a person was trapped, and firefighters and Carver Police entered the home and quickly found Collins on the first floor. They were able to remove him from the building, but his injuries had proven fatal. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Another occupant of the home was injured and transported to a local hospital. That person has since been released and is recovering.

READ MORE: Carver Man Killed in House Fire

The investigation into the fire by the Carver Fire Department, Carver Police, Massachusetts State Police assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s Office and state police assigned to the D.A.’s Office determined the fire began in the kitchen, but identified multiple potential causes.

“The standard used by Massachusetts State Police fire investigators requires investigators to rule out all but one potential factor before making a determination as to the fire’s cause,” the authorities said in a release.

“Because investigators could not exclude cooking equipment, lithium-ion batteries, or an event involving an electrical appliance – all of which were present in the area of origin – it will remain officially undetermined. Investigators found no evidence that the fire was intentionally set, however,” the release said.

State Fire Marshal Davine said about 80 percent of residential fires start in the kitchen.

“We don’t know exactly what caused this fire, but we know that you can reduce the risk of injury or worse with a practiced home escape plan,” he said. “Make sure you and your family know two ways out of the house and two ways out of each room, if possible. If you’re on the ground floor, remember that one way out might be a window.”