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Sun, December 28, 2025
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Christmas Eve Fire Destroys Needham Home, Displaces Family
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Published in House and Home on Saturday, December 27th 2025 at 18:38 GMT by WCVB Channel 5 Boston- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Christmas Eve Devastation: Fire Destroys Needham Home, Displaces Family
A devastating house fire ripped through a home on Woodworth Road in Needham, Massachusetts, on Christmas Eve, leaving a family displaced and the community rallying to offer support. The blaze, reported around 4:30 PM on December 24th, completely engulfed the two-story colonial-style residence at 16 Woodworth Road, causing extensive damage and prompting a large response from multiple fire departments across Norfolk County. Thankfully, all occupants escaped unharmed, but the family lost their home and possessions.
The initial call came in reporting smoke showing from the roof. Upon arrival, Needham firefighters encountered heavy flames erupting from the structure. The rapid spread of the fire quickly necessitated mutual aid from surrounding towns including Wellesley, Newton, Dover, Dedham, and Westwood. Firefighters battled the intense heat and challenging conditions for several hours before bringing the fire under control. The WCVB report included video footage showing a significant portion of the roof collapsing inwards as firefighters continued to work.
Cause Under Investigation, Initial Theories Emerge
While the official cause remains under investigation by the Needham Fire Department and State Fire Marshal's office, preliminary reports suggest a possible electrical malfunction may have been involved. According to Needham Fire Chief Randall Roy in an interview with WCVB, investigators are exploring all potential causes but haven’t ruled out any possibilities at this stage. The age of the home (built in 1930) and its wiring system is being considered as part of the investigation. The State Fire Marshal's office often gets involved in significant fires to provide expertise and ensure a thorough assessment, particularly when the cause isn’t immediately apparent.
Family Escapes with Minimal Possessions
The family residing at 16 Woodworth Road – identified as Michael and Lisa D’Amico and their two children – were home at the time of the fire. They managed to escape without injury thanks to working smoke detectors, a crucial element in preventing tragedy. According to neighbors who witnessed the event, they escaped with only the clothes on their backs and a few personal items. The swift evacuation was critical given the rapid escalation of the fire.
The community response has been immediate and overwhelming. Neighbors gathered nearby offering blankets, warm clothing, and food for the displaced family. A GoFundMe campaign, organized by friends, quickly surpassed its initial fundraising goal to assist the D’Amicos with temporary housing, essential supplies, and long-term recovery efforts. As of this writing, the campaign has raised over $130,000. The outpouring of support underscores the strong sense of community in Needham.
Impact on Woodworth Road & Neighboring Homes
The fire not only destroyed the D’Amicos' home but also impacted surrounding properties. While firefighters worked diligently to prevent its spread, radiant heat and smoke caused some minor damage to neighboring homes. A nearby tree was significantly damaged by the intense heat. Woodworth Road was closed for several hours as crews battled the blaze and conducted overhaul operations – meticulously searching the structure for remaining hot spots to prevent reignition.
The incident prompted a reminder from fire officials about the importance of working smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and having an escape plan in place. Needham Fire Department regularly offers free smoke detector installation and education programs for residents. (Information on these services can be found on the town's website – see linked resource below).
Long Road to Recovery Ahead
The D’Amicos face a long and challenging road to recovery. Losing a home, especially during the holiday season, is an incredibly traumatic experience. While the financial assistance from the community will provide immediate relief, rebuilding their lives and replacing lost possessions will be a significant undertaking. The investigation into the cause of the fire will continue, and updates will be released as they become available.
The Needham Fire Department praised the efforts of all responding agencies and emphasized the importance of fire safety awareness within the community. This Christmas Eve tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the destructive power of fire and the vital role that early detection and preparedness play in protecting lives and property.
Resources & Links:
- WCVB Article: [ https://www.wcvb.com/article/needham-fire-woodworth-road-christmas-eve/69857729 ]
- GoFundMe Campaign: [ https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-the-damico-family-after-a-devastating-house-fire ]
- Town of Needham Fire Department Website (for smoke detector information): [ https://www.needhamma.gov/243/Fire-Department ]
I hope this provides a comprehensive summary of the event. Let me know if you'd like any adjustments or further details added!
Read the Full WCVB Channel 5 Boston Article at:
[ https://www.wcvb.com/article/needham-fire-woodworth-road-christmas-eve/69857729 ]
