Update: Fatal Arlington Fire Started with Baseboard Heater
Smoke Alarms, Sprinklers Operated in Apartment Building.
Read full release from Department of Fire Services.

AFD Chief Reports on Early Morning Fire at Chestnut Manor
Arlington Fire Chief Kevin Kelley reports that the Arlington Fire Department (AFD) responded to an early morning fire at Chestnut Manor, 54 Medford Street. The fire started on the third floor and fire officials were able to evacuate residents to a community room to keep them warm while they suppressed the fire. Two women were rescued from different apartments and taken to area hospitals. One woman was pronounced dead at the hospital, the other treated for non life-threatening injuries.

“I want to commend the women and men of the Arlington Fire for their swift response in suppressing the fire,” said Kelley. “We’re saddened by the loss of life. Our thoughts are with the family of the woman who died. We also want to thank Arlington Police Department, regional fire companies, and other organizations for their assistance.”

Fire companies from Belmont, Cambridge, Lexington, Medford, Somerville, Winchester, and Boston as well Armstrong Ambulance, Professional Ambulance, and the Red Cross provided support. Arlington Police assisted in evacuation, scene logistics, and assisting the Red Cross.

Chestnut Manor, run by the Arlington Housing Authority, is a housing complex for seniors and people with disabilities. 16 units on the first three floors of the building were affected by the fire. An investigation into the cause of the fire remains ongoing.

Fund Set Up For Residents Impacted by Fire
The Department of Health and Human Services, through the Council on Aging has established a donation fund to support the residents that have been impacted by the fire. Funds will be used to rehouse residents that have been displaced and to replace items lost in the fire. The Council on Aging, will be coordinating resources to support the needs of residents in coordination with the Arlington Housing Authority. To donate to the Chestnut Manor Relief Fund visit: arlingtoncommunitycenter.org/chestnutmanor