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Multiple 911 calls brought firefighters to a multi-family home on 9th Avenue around 4:45 p.m. on Saturday Jan. 28, according to the Haverhill Fire Department. Smoke was emanating from the second floor where firefighters found the bodies of a man, who was later identified as Richard Wallace, and a dog, as reported by Daily Voice.
Read more: Person, Dog Perish In Weekend Haverhill Fire: Officials
The fire was contained to the area of origin with the help of mutual aid from Georgetown, Groveland, Lawrence, and Methuen fire departments.
An investigation by the Haverhill Fire Department, Haverhill Police Department, and State Police determined that the fire started near a recliner on the front left side of the second floor where multiple cigarettes and a lighter were found.
“Smoking fires have caused about 50 deaths in Massachusetts during the past five years,” said State Fire Marshal Ostroskey. “These fires can smolder undetected in bedding, upholstery, and other materials before anyone is aware of them. This is why smoking in bed or when you’re drowsy or impaired is especially dangerous. There’s no truly safe way to smoke, but if you must do it then use a heavy ashtray with water or sand and keep it on a sturdy surface.”
"If you smoke or have guests who do, please remember to put it out, all the way, every time,” said Haverhill Fire Chief Robert M. O’Brien.
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