By: Laura Soukkavong –
Rockland – One adult died in a house fire on Centre Avenue early this morning, despite firefighters’ efforts to reach a resident reported to be inside.
Crews were called to the area at 3:37 a.m. after a report of soke. Rockland police soon confirmed that a home at 121 Centre Ave. was burning.
Firefighters arrived to find flames coming from the second floor and thick smoke spreading from every level of the single-family house. They began fighting the fire and entered the building to search. An adult was found dead inside, officials said.
Rockland Fire Chief Scott Duffey offered condolences to the person’s family, describing the loss as a sad day for both the family and the community.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will formally identify the person and determine the cause and manner of death.
Responders reported that they did not hear smoke alarms when they arrived. Investigators are still working to determine where and how the fire began.
The fire reached three alarms before crews brought it fully under control in about an hour. Firefighters from Hanover, Abington, Hingham, Whitman, Brockton, Randolph, Hanson, Norwell and Pembroke assisted at the scene, while the American Red Cross responded to help displaced residents.
Rockland fire and police personnel are investigating alongside State Police assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office, with assistance from the state fire code officials.