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Needham Christmas Eve Fire Likely Started in Garage, Appears Accidental, Officials Say

A multi-agency inquiry continues with formal identification pending.

Overview

  • Preliminary findings point to the rear of an attached garage at 28 Woodworth Road as the area of origin, with the cause still under investigation.
  • Investigators identified several potential heat sources in the garage area that could have sparked the blaze, all considered accidental and not suspicious.
  • A 21-year-old woman died in the fire, her name has not been released, and the medical examiner will determine the cause and manner of death.
  • Two other adults escaped the house and were treated at the scene by emergency responders.
  • The four-alarm blaze broke out shortly before 5 a.m., drew about 75 firefighters from multiple communities, burned for more than seven hours, and caused catastrophic damage that displaced residents.