SAUGUS — The cause of a fire that took the lives of two Richards Street residents last Saturday has been determined to be electrical, State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey, Saugus Fire Chief Michael Newbury and Essex District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett said.
A joint investigation by the Saugus Fire Department, State Police Fire & Explosion Investigation Unit and the Office of the State Fire Marshal revealed that the fire began in an interior attached porch at the front of the home, where numerous electrical and extension cords were found in the debris, authorities said.
There was no evidence of smoke alarms or carbon monoxide alarms in the home. All other sources of ignition, including foul play, have been ruled out by officials.
Two elderly siblings, Swampscott’s unofficial town historian, Lou Gallo, and his sister, Rose Naples, were killed after a fire broke out at their home between 5:30 and 6:30 a.m. last Saturday morning.
“Electrical fires are the second leading cause of fire deaths in Massachusetts,” said Ostroskey. “It’s critically important not to overload outlets with multiple appliances, or to use power strips or extension cords to power devices like air conditioners or space heaters.
“If you see sparks, hear sizzling or buzzing, or smell the vague odor of something burning, call your local fire department immediately. Firefighters can use thermal imaging technology to see excessive heat inside the walls,” he said.
Jake Wark, a spokesman for the fire marshal, stressed the importance of having smoke and carbon monoxide alarms inside homes.
“Every second counts during a fire and smoke alarms can buy time to escape before escape routes are blocked by deadly smoke, heat, and toxic gases,” said Wark. “We recommend smoke detectors on every level of the dwelling and in any sleeping areas.”
