Smoking materials most likely cause of three-alarm Woburn fire

WOBURN — A three-alarm fire that displaced three families in Richmond Park most likely started with smoking equipment, said Woburn Fire Chief Donald C. Kenton, Woburn Police Chief Robert F. Rufo , Jr, and State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine.

“Smoking materials are the leading cause of fatal fires in Massachusetts and nationwide,” said Chief Kenton. “A fire like this, which occurred early in the morning while the occupants were sleeping, could easily have turned into a tragedy. I want to thank our Woburn firefighters and mutual aid partners for their decisive action to protect nearby residents and homes.

The Woburn Fire Department responded to 1 Richmond Park following multiple 9-1-1 calls around 3:45 a.m. Sunday morning. Firefighters observed a heavy fire upon arrival and quickly sounded a second alarm, followed by a third. One child escaped through a window and firefighters rescued a second using a ladder on the ground; both were transported to Boston for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

Firefighters were able to bring the fire under control in approximately 45 minutes. All residents of the building have been relocated and are receiving assistance from the Massachusetts Red Cross.

The origin and cause of the fire was investigated by the Woburn Fire Department, the Woburn Police Department and State Police fire investigators assigned to the Provost Marshal's Office State Fire Department. They collectively determined that the fire started on an enclosed porch near the left rear of the second floor and then spread to the third floor and roof. Although fire damage prevented a thorough examination of this area, investigators believe the most likely cause was improper disposal of smoking materials. There is no indication that the fire was intentionally set.

“Smoking materials have contributed to at least four fire deaths in Massachusetts so far this year,” said State Fire Marshal Davine. “If you still smoke or have guests who do, always use a heavy ashtray to completely extinguish cigarettes and other materials. Make sure to turn it off completely, every time.

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