Cigarette Likely Caused Salem's Massive Hancock Street Fire

Salem MA

02 June, 2022

3:34 PM

Description

SALEM, MA — A carelessly discarded cigarette igniting a foam mattress was the likely cause of the five-alarm Hancock Street fire on May 9, according to a Salem Fire Department report released on Thursday. An investigation ruled the fire as accidental, and while the exact cause could not be definitely determined, the cigarette igniting a foam mattress in the back of 29 Hancock Street was determined as the probable cause of the blaze that spread to four other buildings. "I would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone that cigarettes are still a leading cause of fires and loss of life in this country," Salem Fire Chief Al Dionne said. "It is imperative that cigarettes be properly extinguished before disposal. Considering the intensity of this fire and the number of properties involved, we are extremely fortunate that there was no loss of life or injuries. "Additionally, smoke alarms were present in the building and did alert the residents to the fire. This likely contributed to saving the lives of the occupants. This incident should serve as a reminder that to ensure a timely alarm notification in the event of a fire, every building should have a modern, functioning fire alarm system and working smoke detectors that are less than 10 years old. "It is, quite literally, a matter of life or death." The May 9 blaze began at about 3:30 p.m. with heavy fire seen coming from the rear porch and roof of the three-story building by the time Salem fire crews arrived. The fire spread to four other buildings and led to fire, smoke and water damage in buildings throughout the densely populated neighborhood. Nine people were permanently displaced from 29 Hancock Street with those in neighboring buildings able to return to their homes once the fire was under control. Two of the abutting damaged buildings were unoccupied at the time. Property loss estimates are in excess of $1.5 million. The Salem Fire Department and State Fire Marshall's Office conducted the investigation that included evidence from the scene, neighborhood doorbell security videos, media videos, witness statements and dozens of interviews. Salem fire and the State Fire Marshall said the investigation is now considered concluded barring new evidence. (Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at [email protected]. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)