Firefighter dies after battling flames in Watertown

WATERTOWN, Mass. — A firefighter died Friday after fighting flames that broke out at a home on Merrifield Avenue in Watertown.

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The fire broke out around 10:15 a.m. Fire departments from Watertown and Newton responded to the scene.

The firefighter, later identified as Joseph Toscano, collapsed at the scene and was taken to Mt. Auburn Hospital. Police and fire officials later confirmed that the Toscano had died, possibly of a heart attack.

Toscano was a Randolph resident who has been with the Watertown Fire Department since 1996. He was 54 years old and leaves behind a wife and five children -- three boys and two girls who range in age from 12 to 19 years old.

In a news conference Friday, Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey called it "the most difficult day for firefighters" and called the loss "a tremendous blow to the department."

The Watertown Fire Department hasn't lost a firefighter in about 50 years.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Two people and multiple pets were evacuated from the Merrifield Avenue home.

Toscano's body will likely be taken to the office of the medical examiner in Boston Saturday morning.

"Our Commonwealth is grateful for the incredible service and dedication of our first responders who go above and beyond to keep our communities safe and I am heartbroken to learn of the loss of Firefighter Toscano," said Gov. Charlie Baker.

Toscano will be honored by other firefighters and first responders who will make a procession from the moment his body leaves Mt. Auburn Hospital until it reaches the medical examiner.

>>READ MORE ABOUT Joseph Toscano & how is family is remembering him 

SKYFOX VIDEO FROM OVER THE FIRE

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Cox Media Group