Sunday, February 19, 2012

Updated: Fatal fire in Somerville

Around 7:30 AM this morning Somerville firefighters answered the call for a reported house fire at 84 Boston Ave. A 2.5 story house near the intersection of Broadway. Engine 7 was first on the scene reporting a light smoke condition showing from the house and charged lines. Once inside they began an aggressive attack by knocking out walls and windows to ventilate the structure and made quick work of the main body of fire which was located in the kitchen. As you can see in the pictures there was minimal fire damage but the interior sustained significant smoke and water damage. The lone occupant of the home said to be a woman aged 94,suffered from what appears at this time smoke inhalation/burns at this time. The cause is still under investigation by Somerville Police detective squad as well as fire department officials. More information will be posted as it becomes available.









6 comments:

  1. No official identification of the victim has been made and no cause of death has yet been determined. Either the District Attorney or the Somerville Police or Fire Department will provide more information when appropriate.
    Deputy Chiel Paul Upton: Somerville Police

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  2. Your making it sound as if I released the victims name. I did not. Plus -if the name hasnt been released then why do media stations and local newspapers already have it? I am well aware of the proper procedures for posting such info. The facts and circumstances leading up to this blog post are indeed true and such will remain in tact and posting will not be removed.

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  3. Mike. We can talk off line about this. No insult intended. You took great pictures and we wiltl try to work with you more closely. Since the Somerville Journal was printing info from your blog, I just wanted you and them to be cautious. A name was released to the media from unofficial sources when no ID had been confirmed. Let's try to get together sometime soon. I would be pleased to work with you on Somerville incidents.

    Deputy Chief Paul Upton
    Pupton@police.somerville.ma.us

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  4. Mike the Chief has a good point. If the sources were unofficial or not authorized to make such statements, it is better that they be left alone until official word comes down. In my opinion, Chief Upton is looking out for your well being and reputation. In this field that is a very rare and good thing. Work with him and it will benefit all involved!!

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  5. Mike, I am posting here because I can't get my point across in 180 characters. I have been burned before by newspapers citing me as a source and a witness. It is the fastest way to lose friends/contacts in this industry. When someone comes along with a rank of Deputy Chief and offers to sit down with you, and is showing a strong willingness to work closely with you, take the opportunity, OT's a rarity. Always look out for yourself, don't worry what other photogs, news stations, or media outlets are posting. I know it's exciting to say "I got the scoop before everyone else", but it's not always worth the headache that may come from it. I've been doing this for a long time, as most of us in this group, we are only trying to help. Deputy Chief Upton was just offering his assistance and a word of advice, don't be so quick to go on the defensive. You do good work, keep that reputation intact

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  6. Little too defensive? Hmm. Loosen up a bit and meet with the chief. Not often you get an invitation like that. Just hope you show up with the proper attitude!

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