Tragedy struck the community of Newton earlier this month when a two-alarm fire broke out, resulting in the death of Peter Yaffe, a 73-year-old resident. The Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office confirmed the identity of the victim as Peter Yaffe on Thursday.

The incident occurred on December 13th, around 10 a.m., near 125 Allen Ave., according to a release from the Department of Fire Services. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered that one person had already managed to escape the burning building, while another remained trapped inside.

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Swift action was taken by the courageous firefighters who entered the home to rescue the trapped individual, later identified as Peter Yaffe. Despite their efforts, Yaffe sustained serious injuries and was rushed to Massachusetts General Hospital. Unfortunately, he passed away on December 23rd, leaving behind his brother, several cousins, and an aunt and uncle, as mentioned in his obituary.

Newton Fire Chief, Gregory J. Gentile, expressed his condolences, stating, “This is a terrible loss for them and for the community, especially during the holiday season.” Chief Gentile also emphasized the importance of having functional smoke alarms on every level of homes, particularly for older adults.

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The fire caused significant damage to the residence and took approximately thirty minutes to bring under control. In addition to the tragic loss of Peter Yaffe, one of the brave Newton firefighters involved in the rescue mission also sustained serious injuries and required hospitalization. However, the firefighter has since been released and is currently in the process of recovery.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the fire was accidental, originating in the living room due to a malfunctioning lamp. This serves as a reminder of the potential dangers associated with electrical events. State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine highlighted the need for periodic inspections of home electrical systems by licensed professionals every ten years to prevent such emergencies.

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Marshal Davine further advised homeowners to promptly unplug any appliances that exhibit sparks or smoke, urging them to call 911 for immediate assistance.