Double Fatal Fire in Sheffield

There was a deadly fire in the southern Berkshires early this morning (Wednesday). The Berkshire District Attorney’s Office and the State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating what is being described as a double fatal fire in the town of Sheffield.

According to a press release from the Berkshire District Attorney’s Office, the State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Berkshire District Attorney’s Office and the State Fire Marshal’s Office are jointly investigating a structure fire in Sheffield that killed two people.

Multiple neighbors called 911 and reported a structure fire located at 1715 Hewins Street at approximately 5:49 a.m. Wednesday. Multiple agencies responded minutes later to find the home fully engulfed in flames.

Caanan, Conn., Sheffield, Great Barrington, Egremont, and New Marlboro Fire Departments knocked down and extinguished the extremely intense blaze. After gaining access to the home, first responders discovered the remains of two adults inside.

The State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Berkshire District Attorney’s Office, Sheffield Police, and the State Fire Marshal’s Office are leading the investigation. While the fire remains under investigation, preliminary evidence does not indicate that the fire is suspicious in nature.

Berkshire District Attorney Andrea Harrington, Sheffield Police Chief Eric Munson, and State Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey all responded to the scene. Southern Berkshire Ambulance and the Berkshire County Sherriff’s Office also helped at the scene.

The State Medical Examiner’s Office took custody of the remains to perform autopsies and positively identify the victims. The Massachusetts State Police Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit, Massachusetts State Police Crime Scene Services Section, and troopers from the State Police Lee Barracks are assisting in the active investigation.