New Bedford, Massachusetts, October 15, 2025
News Summary
A tragic fire at a multi-family home in New Bedford resulted in the death of a 70-year-old woman who was rescued from a third-floor window. The fire occurred on Elm Street, with multiple 911 calls reporting people trapped inside. Thanks to working smoke detectors, 10 of 11 residents managed to escape. Firefighters quickly took action to rescue the trapped woman, who was critically injured and later transferred to a Boston hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries.
New Bedford — A 70-year-old woman rescued from a fire in a multi-family home in New Bedford, Massachusetts, has died. Her passing was announced by fire officials on Tuesday, October 14.
What happened
The fire occurred on October 9, around 8:30 p.m. at 396-398 Elm Street. Multiple 911 calls reported a fire with people possibly trapped inside the building. Fire crews were informed en route that a third-floor tenant was at a window and needed assistance. The fire was venting from the second floor and heavy smoke was observed pushing out from the second and third floors.
Working smoke detectors alerted the occupants, allowing 10 of the 11 individuals inside to escape on their own. Firefighters found the woman trapped at a third-floor window when they arrived. Fire crews divided their efforts, with some battling flames inside and others using ground ladders to reach the victim. The woman was evacuated and taken to St. Luke’s Hospital in critical condition. She was later transferred to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, where she succumbed to her injuries. Fire officials have not released her name pending further notification of family.
Immediate response and impact
Nearly a dozen residents were displaced from their homes due to the fire and are being assisted by the Red Cross. Firefighters conducted interior firefighting and rescue operations while additional crews worked from ladders to reach upper-floor occupants. The incident drew a coordinated response from local and state agencies to care for survivors, protect the scene, and begin an origin and cause investigation.
Investigation and agency involvement
The New Bedford Fire Department is conducting an investigation into the origin and cause of the fire. Preliminary reports indicate that the fire does not appear to be suspicious, but the exact cause is still undetermined. The case is being investigated by the New Bedford Fire Department’s Fire Investigation Unit, New Bedford Police, State Police fire investigators assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office, and the Bristol County District Attorney’s office.
Context and safety notes
Officials noted that working smoke detectors played a key role in allowing most occupants to escape. The presence of functioning alarms and swift 911 reporting helped first responders identify a trapped occupant and prioritize both rescue and firefighting activities. The Red Cross is coordinating aid for displaced residents while investigators work to determine how the fire began.
Official reaction
New Bedford Fire Chief Brian Medeiros expressed condolences for the victim’s family and described the death as a terrible loss for the family and the city. No direct statements from family members or other individuals are included in this report; officials limited public information while notifications and the investigation proceed.
What comes next
Investigators will continue to examine the scene, interview witnesses and first responders, and review any available evidence to determine an exact cause. The New Bedford Fire Department will update the public when additional verified information becomes available and after family notifications are complete.
FAQ
Q: Who died as a result of the fire?
A: A 70-year-old woman rescued from a fire in a multi-family home in New Bedford, Massachusetts, has died.
Q: When was the woman’s passing announced?
A: Her passing was announced by fire officials on Tuesday, October 14.
Q: When and where did the fire occur?
A: The incident occurred on October 9, around 8:30 p.m. at 396-398 Elm Street.
Q: How many people were inside and how many escaped?
A: Working smoke detectors alerted the occupants, allowing 10 of the 11 individuals inside to escape on their own.
Q: Where was the trapped woman found and what hospitals treated her?
A: Firefighters found the woman trapped at a third-floor window when they arrived. The woman was evacuated and taken to St. Luke’s Hospital in critical condition. She was later transferred to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, where she succumbed to her injuries.
Q: Has the woman’s name been released?
A: Fire officials have not released her name pending further notification of family.
Q: Who is investigating the fire?
A: The case is being investigated by the New Bedford Fire Department’s Fire Investigation Unit, New Bedford Police, State Police fire investigators assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office, and the Bristol County District Attorney’s office.
Q: What is known about the cause of the fire?
A: The fire department is conducting an investigation into the origin and cause of the fire. Preliminary reports indicate that the fire does not appear to be suspicious, but the exact cause is still undetermined.
Q: Were residents displaced and who is assisting them?
A: Nearly a dozen residents were displaced from their homes due to the fire and are being assisted by the Red Cross.
Quick reference table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 396-398 Elm Street, New Bedford, Massachusetts |
| Date and time | October 9, around 8:30 p.m. |
| Fatality | One — A 70-year-old woman (name not released) |
| Injured/Treated | Woman evacuated to St. Luke’s Hospital, later transferred to Massachusetts General Hospital |
| Occupants inside | 11 individuals; 10 escaped on their own |
| Displaced residents | Nearly a dozen; being assisted by the Red Cross |
| Investigating agencies | New Bedford Fire Department Fire Investigation Unit, New Bedford Police, State Police fire investigators assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office, Bristol County District Attorney’s office |
| Preliminary cause | Does not appear to be suspicious; exact cause still undetermined |
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Additional Resources
- Boston Herald
- Wikipedia: Fire Safety
- South Coast Today
- Google Search: New Bedford fire incident October 2025
- Boston.com
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fire Incident
- WBSM
- MassLive
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