Body Found in Fire at Somerville, MA, Encampment Site

A woman died Thursday afternoon after a fire broke out in a wooded area near a parkway in Somerville, authorities said.

Flames broke out at a small encampment at Alewife Brook Parkway and Broadway a little after 4 p.m., the Department of Fire Services said.

Firefighters stretched a hose from an engine tank to battle the flames, the department said. While trying to put out the fire, they found an unconscious woman whom they declared dead at the scene.

“This was a very sad event and our thoughts are with the victim right now,” Somerville Fire Chief Charles Breen said in a statement.

Wood and debris near the encampment added to the fire, the department said. Firefighters knocked down the rest of the fire in about 10 minutes but stayed there to take out smoldering hot spots and to help with the investigation.

Firefighters cut through a chain link fence to get to the encampment, the department said.

Police found several “ignition sources” — but did not specify what they were. The fire appeared accidental, authorities said. The investigation is still ongoing as of Dec. 20.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will identify the woman and determine what killed her, the department said.

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