One person is dead after flames broke out at a home just after midnight Wednesday in Oakham, Massachusetts.
The state Department of Fire Services confirmed the fatal fire occurred at 67 Skyline Drive. The home’s sole resident was found dead inside by crews after the flames were brought under control.
“Our hearts go out to the family that lost a loved one this morning,” Oakham Fire Chief Timothy Howe said in a statement. “This is a sad day for them and the community.”
Officials say the Oakham Fire Department was called to the single-family home around 12:45 a.m. Wednesday after a neighbor called 911, and firefighters arrived on scene to find heavy smoke and flames. A Rutland police officer had already attempted to get inside but was unable to gain entry due to the fire conditions inside the home.
Fire crews were working in about six inches of snow and temperatures hovering just above 0 degrees, which froze hose lines and caused dangerously icy conditions, officials said.
Numerous nearby fire departments assisted Oakham Fire with their efforts, including Rutland, Spencer, New Braintree, Athol, Brookfield, East Brookfield, North Brookfield, Paxton, Hardwick, Hubbardston, Orange, and Warren.
Spencer Fire and Emergency Services shared a photo on Facebook showing several firefighters in the snowy front yard of the Skyline house in frigid conditions. Thick smoke made it difficult to see the extent of damage, but it appears from the picture that the roof collapsed.
Authorities have not released the name of the adult who died in the fire. The chief medical examiner’s office will determine their cause and manner of death.
State police fire investigators assigned to the fire marshal’s office are assisting local officials with the investigation into the origin and cause of the fire.
