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Fairhaven House Fire: Two Dead, One Rescued

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/01/fairhaven-house-fire-two-dead-one-rescued.html
  Published in House and Home on Sunday, February 1st 2026 at 21:11 GMT by WCVB Channel 5 Boston
      Locales: Massachusetts, UNITED STATES

FAIRHAVEN, MA - February 2nd, 2026 - A devastating fire ripped through a home on Jameson Street in Fairhaven this morning, resulting in the tragic deaths of two residents. Firefighters responded to the scene at approximately 8:30 a.m., encountering heavy fire and smoke emanating from the two-and-a-half story dwelling.

Despite the rapid response and courageous efforts of the Fairhaven Fire Department, two individuals were discovered deceased inside the residence. One person was successfully rescued, and their condition is currently unknown. Authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims, citing the need to notify next of kin.

This incident marks a somber start to February and highlights the ever-present dangers of residential fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), cooking is the leading cause of home fires, followed by heating equipment. While the cause of the Fairhaven fire remains under investigation, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of fire safety protocols.

Investigation Underway, State Fire Marshal Involved

The State Fire Marshal's office has joined the Fairhaven Fire Department in investigating the origin and cause of the blaze. Investigators will meticulously examine the fire scene, analyzing burn patterns, potential ignition sources, and any contributing factors. The investigation is expected to be thorough and could take several days or weeks to complete.

"Our deepest condolences go out to the families and friends affected by this tragedy," stated Fairhaven Fire Chief Thomas Flanagan in a brief statement to local media. "We will work closely with the State Fire Marshal to determine the cause of this fire and ensure all necessary steps are taken to prevent similar incidents in the future."

Rising Concerns Over Residential Fire Safety

This Fairhaven fire is not an isolated incident. Across the nation, residential fires continue to pose a significant threat to lives and property. The NFPA reports that approximately 3,500 people die each year in U.S. home fires, and tens of thousands more are injured. Factors contributing to these fires include aging infrastructure, improper maintenance of heating systems, and a lack of working smoke detectors.

Recent data released by the Massachusetts State Fire Marshal indicates a slight uptick in residential fires in the past year, particularly during the colder months. Experts attribute this increase to increased use of heating equipment and a greater reliance on alternative heating sources due to rising energy costs. Furthermore, the increasing number of lithium-ion battery fires, often associated with e-bikes and other electronic devices, has added a new layer of complexity to fire safety concerns.

Fire Prevention Tips & Resources

Local fire officials are urging residents to take proactive steps to protect themselves and their families from fire hazards. Key recommendations include:

• Install and maintain working smoke detectors: Test smoke detectors monthly and replace batteries at least once a year. Consider installing interconnected smoke detectors, which will all sound an alarm if one detects smoke.
• Develop and practice a home fire escape plan: Ensure all family members know two ways out of each room and designate a meeting point outside the home.
• Be cautious with heating equipment: Keep space heaters away from flammable materials and never leave them unattended. Have heating systems professionally inspected and maintained annually.
• Practice safe cooking habits: Never leave cooking unattended and keep flammable items away from the stovetop.
• Be mindful of electrical safety: Avoid overloading electrical outlets and extension cords. Regularly inspect electrical cords for damage.
• Safe storage of lithium-ion batteries: Follow manufacturer's instructions for charging and storing devices containing these batteries.

Residents can find more information on fire safety and prevention from the following resources:

• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA): [ https://www.nfpa.org/ ]
• Massachusetts State Fire Marshal: [ https://www.mass.gov/orgs/state-fire-marshal ]
• American Red Cross: [ https://www.redcross.org/ ]

Community Support and Assistance

The Fairhaven community has already begun to rally around those affected by the fire. Local organizations are collecting donations to help the rescued individual and the families of the deceased with temporary housing, food, and other essential needs. Details on how to contribute will be released by the Fairhaven town hall later today. WCVB will continue to provide updates on this developing story as more information becomes available.