Local News
The cause of the fire and the woman’s death are still under investigation
A woman’s body was found by firefighters battling an outdoor fire at a small encampment in a wooded area near Alewife Brook Parkway, according to a news release from the state fire marshal’s office.
The Somerville Fire Department arrived in a wooded area near Alewife Brook Parkway and Broadway shortly after 4 p.m. Thursday to find a heavy fire engulfing a small encampment.
Officials said firefighters ran a garden hose from an engine to attack the blaze and discovered an unconscious woman who was pronounced dead at the scene.
“This was a very sad event and our thoughts are with the victim at this time,” said Somerville Fire Chief Charles Breen.
Wood and debris piled up in the area contributed to a heavy fuel load, according to the release.
Officials said firefighters extinguished most of the fire in about 10 minutes, but remained on scene for about three hours to put out hot spots and aid the investigation. Firefighters had to cut a chain link fence to allow unhindered access to the site.
Investigators have identified several potential ignition sources, all of which appear to be accidental, but the investigation remains open.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will conduct a formal identification process and determine the cause and manner of the woman’s death.
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