A three-alarm fire at 5:45am, apparently caused by a cigarette on the second floor porch, caused several injuries and left nine individuals homeless when it destroyed a three-story home on Harvard Avenue in Dorchester. A 13-year-old boy was rushed to Massachusetts General Hospital with burns on his head. Five firefighters were also taken to local hospitals with cuts and chest pains. According to reports, no injuries are life-threatening.
The estimated damage caused by the fire is $500,000. A white van parked outside the home was also destroyed by the spreading fire.
Responsibility for a fire can rest on numerous individuals, including landlords, building designers, contractors, manufacturers, owners, tenants, or guests. In this case, beyond being caused by a cigarette, it is currently unclear who was involved in starting the fire and how exactly the fire began-including who lit the cigarette, whether it was left unattended, if it thrown on the porch while still lit, whether the building was up to code, etc. The owner of the home has not yet been reached.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a fire you believe was caused by the negligence of another, it is important to contact an attorney to seek optimal financial recovery for personal injuries and property damage.
Dorchester fire injures five firefighters and 13-year-old boy, Boston.com, February 20, 2012