Hopkinton house fire leaves man and dog dead, no working smoke detectors inside
HOPKINTON - A man and a dog were killed and a woman was critically hurt in a fire at a home in Hopkinton early Easter morning.
The fire broke out at the single level ranch house on Hayward Street around 1 a.m. Hopkinton Fire Chief Bill Miller told WBZ-TV multiple 911 calls came into the station. When firefighters arrived, they saw heavy flames at the front of the house but heard no smoke alarms. They were also told two people were still inside the burning home.
One man, described by firefighters as a "senior male" was found in a hallway. They said a "senior female" was found in a bedroom. Both were rushed to Milford Regional Medical Center where the man died. The woman was later taken to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston where she's in critical condition. Their names have not been released yet.
The fire department said a dog also died in the fire, which was brought under control in about an hour. The home was destroyed. Miller said there were no working smoke detectors in the house.
"This type of situation here is something there were smoke detectors and it may have saved a life," the chief told WBZ.
There's no word yet on how or where the fire started.
Friends said the man who died was a veteran and a talented musician.
"I've been having coffee with him for the last 5 or 6 years," said Tom Smith. "He was such a nice guy, I just can't believe what's happened to him. Especially on Easter."
"Hopkinton is a tight knit community, he's been here a long time. He's done a lot for the community. He's done a lot for us here in the fire service and police department as well," Miller said.
Neighbors told WBZ it's not the first fire they've seen in the area.
"This was one of the old camps," said Gary Lucas who lives on a nearby street.
The Hopkinton Fire department is now urging everyone to check their smoke detectors.
"We always say change your clocks, change your batteries. Smoke detectors are only good for 10 years now," Miller said.
