Last week, a terrible fire broke out in a home in Fall River, Massachusetts, and sadly two people died. The Bristol County District Attorney’s Office has now shared the names of those who lost their lives. They also said that the fire does not seem to have been caused by anything suspicious, but the investigation is still going on.
Who Were the Victims?
The two people who died were Maria Santos, 58 years old, and her son, Javier Santos, 25. They lived together in the house where the fire started. Friends and family say Maria and Javier were very kind people who cared a lot about those around them.
A family member shared a message saying, “Maria and Javier loved their family deeply. We are heartbroken and ask for privacy as we go through this hard time.”
What Happened During the Fire?
The fire began late Monday night in the Santos family home on Bristol Street. Neighbors saw smoke and flames and called the fire department right away. Firefighters rushed to the scene, but by the time they arrived, the fire had caused a lot of damage.
Luckily, some other people were in the house but were able to get out safely. Fire crews worked hard for hours to put out the fire and make sure nearby homes were safe too.
What Caused the Fire?
The District Attorney’s Office and Fall River Fire Department have been working together to find out what caused the fire. So far, they believe it was an accident. There is no sign of anything suspicious or criminal.
District Attorney Thomas Quinn said, “We don’t see any reason to believe this was anything other than a tragic accident.” They are looking into possible causes like faulty wiring or problems with heating equipment — common reasons for fires in homes.
How the Community Is Helping
The loss of Maria and Javier has been very hard for the Fall River community. Neighbors and local groups have come together to support the family. They have organized fundraisers and shared meals to help during this difficult time.
Local leaders are also reminding everyone to be careful with fire safety, especially now that colder weather means more people use heaters and fireplaces.
Fire Safety Tips to Remember
Because fires like this can happen so quickly, fire experts want everyone to keep these safety tips in mind:
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Make sure smoke detectors work and have fresh batteries
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Have a plan to escape the house if there’s a fire, and practice it often
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Don’t overload electrical outlets
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Keep heaters and anything that can catch fire away from curtains or furniture
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Never leave candles or open flames alone
Fall River Fire Chief Mark Evans said, “These simple steps can help save lives. Please take care and stay safe.”
What’s Next?
The investigation into the fire will continue, but right now, the focus is on helping the family and the community heal. The District Attorney’s Office will share more information when they find out anything new.
This fire is a sad reminder that accidents can happen in a moment and how important it is to keep our homes safe.
