MAYNARD — Fire Chief Anthony Stowers and the Maynard Fire Department wish to provide an update on the investigation into what caused the gas leak that led to last week’s fatal house fire.
On Thursday, Sept, 2, around 4:10 p.m., the Maynard Fire Department was dispatched to a home at 27 Park St. for reports of a gas-like smell. Upon arrival, crews found smoke coming from the front and side windows of the house. Fire crews entered the building and found a deceased male victim inside.
Investigators determined that the fire was accidental and caused by an underground leak in a gas line outside the house which spread and ignited in a basement crawl space. The Maynard Fire Department and town officials are monitoring the investigation being conducted by Eversource and the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) into the cause of the underground leak.
As a part of the investigation, DPU is looking into past reports of gas leaks in town and how they were handled during the last few years.
The investigation process is expected to take weeks to months to complete.
Additionally, Eversource is working to repair underground piping in the Park Street area. Eversource will also repair issues discovered during their inspections of supply lines throughout the town
Residents should direct any complaints about gas services to the Consumer Division of DPU by emailing DPUConsumer.Complaints@mass.gov or calling 617-737-2836 or 877-886-5066 for toll-free.
As always the Maynard Fire Department reminds residents to call 911 to report any gas emergency or odor of gas.
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