New Year’s Day began with tragedy in Holyoke, as a fire at 106 North East Street claimed three lives. One of the victims leapt from a fourth-story window to escape the flames.

The fire broke out just before 9 am on New Year’s Day and quickly engulfed the top two floors of the five-story building, which was home to more than 50 people. Fire officials are investigating the cause but said there is currently no criminal investigation. Due to a risk of collapse, demolition crews have begun removing the upper floors of the building, which spanned a city block.

Fire deaths in Massachusetts are uncommon. The Commonwealth saw a 16% drop in fire deaths in 2016, according to preliminary data from State Fire Marshall Peter J. Ostroskey reported by The Boston Globe. Most fire deaths in 2016 occurred in residences, and the winter months tend to be the deadliest time of the year due to indoor smoking, use of space heaters and use of candles.

The Holyoke fire raises questions best answered by investigators and personal injury attorneys. What caused the fire? Why did it spread so quickly? Why were residents trapped in their apartments? Were there smoke detectors? Did sprinklers fail?

Sheff Law has extensive experience supporting people injured by fire and the families of those killed in fires. Our experience allows us to ask the right questions to determine liability and help those harmed by fire get the support and compensation they need. If you or someone you know has been harmed by a fire, please contact us online or call us at 1-888-423-4477 for a free consultation.