Three families left without a home after building fire in Woburn

WOBURN, Mass. (WWLP) – Three families are without a home after a three-alarm fire in Woburn on Sunday.

According to the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services, Woburn firefighters were dispatched to 1 Richmond Park after multiple 911 calls around 3:45 a.m. Sunday. When crews arrived, they observed a heavy fire and activated a second and third alarm.

One child was able to escape through a window and firefighters were able to rescue another using a ladder on the ground. Both children were taken to Boston to treat their injuries. All the families present in the building are homeless and benefit from help from the Red Cross.

The cause of the fire was determined to be improper disposal of smoking materials on an enclosed porch near the left rear of the second floor and then spread to the third floor and roof. There is no evidence that the fire was intentionally set.

“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.

“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.