LITTLETON, Mass. (CBS) — A fire in Littleton that killed a 76-year-old woman on New Year’s Day was sparked by smoking materials, the State Fire Marshal said Wednesday.
“The fire began in the first floor living room and the victim was found in her recliner. She was known to be a heavy smoker,” said a statement released by the Fire Mashal, District Attorney and Littleton Fire/Police Departments.
The woman was identified as Jan Karner. Her husband escaped the fire and was treated for smoke inhalation.
The home on King Street after the fire Monday morning. (WBZ-TV)
Fire crews who responded to the King Street home in January said hoarding made it difficult to fight the blaze.
The smoke alarms on the first and second floor were destroyed in the fire, according to the Fire Marshal, so it is unknown whether or not they were working. A smoke alarm in the basement was expired but potentially went off, although expired alarms should not be relied upon.
This was the first of five deaths in 2018 caused the improper use or disposal of smoking materials, according to the Fire Marshal. In 2017, there were 14.
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Elderly Woman Killed In House Fire Linked To Hoarding
January 1, 2018 at 12:32 pm
LITTLETON (CBS) – The New Year began on a tragic note in Littleton Monday morning as an elderly woman died in a house fire.
Firefighters were called to a home on King Street around 5:15 a.m. where they found heavy flames on the first floor.
A person came out and told them that a woman was still inside.
But years of hoarding by the residents caused a problem for firefighters.
The home on King Street after the fire Monday morning. (WBZ-TV)
“There was an overabundance of accumulated materials throughout the home. So it was definitely a bit of a challenge to get in there,” Littleton Fire Chief Scott Wodzinski told WBZ-TV.
The woman inside died. Her name has not been made public.
The other person was taken to the hospital.
There is no word yet on how the fire started.
“Everything here today was a challenge. It was about six below zero when I arrived here,” Wodzinksi said.
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Jan Barbara Karner (Age 77) departed this world on January 1, 2018.
Born September 18, 1941 in Montague, MA. to parents Herman Glabach and Gwendolyn Fischer, Jan leaves; sisters Diane Baronas, So. Deerfield, MA., and Gwen Richardson, Long Beach, CA., Husband James Karner, Daughter Allison Gallant, Berlin, NH., Son Todd Karner, Tulalip, WA., and Grandson Kurt Yazici, Seattle, WA..
Jan grew up in Greenfield, MA., where she participated in the Mariners Sailing Club with the Girl Scouts and the YMCA Swim Team. She loved to be outdoors: growing flowers and vegetables, skating, skiing, and walking. She enjoyed being out in any sort of weather. Before health issues impaired Jan's movement, she taught ballet and performed with a local dance school. Jan was an ardent writer and spent many hours of her day in correspondence with relatives and friends. She published poems and briefs in local newspapers. Jan's love of life and compassion for understanding will continue to inspire persons she touched.
Steep water, cascading falls.
Low pools stagnant and silted.
Brimmed hat, I sit in between.
A memorial service where friends and family can come together to remember and celebrate Jan's life will be held at the Badger Funeral Home, 347 King Street, Littleton at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial contributions be made in Jan's memory to:
Littleton Council on Aging
33 Shattuck Street
Littleton, Massachusetts 01460