No working smoke detectors at scene of fatal Taunton fire — new details emerge

TAUNTON — Investigators did not find working smoke alarms at the scene of Thursday's fatal house fire on North Walker Street in Taunton , the State Fire Marshal's office said Friday afternoon.

Two out-of-date smoke alarms were found in the home, neither of which had batteries, the Fire Marshal's office said in a written statement.

Other details emerged Friday about deadly fire Thursday afternoon, Aug. 22 at 19 Walker St.

In addition to an adult woman identified as perishing in the fire, so were two dogs found dead at the scene.

No further information is being provided at this time about the identity of woman who died.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will conduct a "formal identification procedure" and determine the cause and manner of the woman's death, the statement said.

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What caused the fire?

The origin and cause of the fire are being investigated by Taunton Fire, Taunton Police, State Police assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s Office, and State Police assigned to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office.

Preliminarily, they have identified multiple potential causes, all of which were accidental.

“Our hearts go out to the family that lost a loved one yesterday," Taunton Fire Chief Steven Lavigne said in the written statement from the Fire Marshal's Office.

"We also want to urge everyone in our community to be sure you and your loved ones have working smoke alarms at home. Install them on every level of the home and test them every month to be sure you and the people you care for are protected.”

How to check your smoke detectors

“Smoke alarms are like any other appliance,” said State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine. “They don’t last forever. Take a few minutes to check the manufacturing date printed on the back of your smoke alarms and replace them if they’re more than 10 years old. If there’s no date, replace it right away. When choosing a new alarm, select one from a well-known, national brand that has a sealed, long-life battery and a hush feature. And please – never disable a smoke or carbon monoxide alarm. They’re your first line of defense against an emergency at home.”

This article originally appeared on The Taunton Daily Gazette: No working smoke detectors at scene of fatal Taunton fire — new details emerge