5-alarm Pelham house fire claims 1 life, others saved



One person has died after being injured in a five-alarm fire in Pelham late Friday evening.

Fire officials arrived at the home, located at 7 Blackstone Circle, shortly after 10 p.m. Upon arrival, they discovered that the multi-level, single-family home was engulfed in flames, Fire Chief Jim Midgley said.

"Initially, all efforts were made to account for the occupants," Midgley said.

A second alarm was instantly struck. An elderly resident was removed from the second floor via a ladder. Authorities said the woman went into cardiac arrest moments after she was taken out of the home and CPR was immediately initiated.

By 11:20 p.m., the fifth alarm was sounded.  Fire crews from around the region assisted at the scene and provided mutual aid at the Pelham fire station.

At least three other victims were rescued from the home, their condition wasn't immediately known, nor who perished. 

In a written statement released Saturday morning, State Fire Marshal William Degnan said one of the home's occupants jumped from a second-story window to escape the flames, while another was rescued from the first-floor kitchen area.

Degnan said the identity of the deceased would be released following an autopsy later this weekend.

Authorities said the fire appears to have started on the first floor in the living room area.

Midgley said initial investigation suggest the fire may have been sparked by a portable heating appliance, though a full investigation by the state fire marshal's office is currently underway.

According to local property records, the large, Garrison-style home is owned by Stephen and Roseann Dutton.

AGuilmet@newstote.com
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