78-year-old man dies in fire that destroyed Billerica home

BILLERICA, Mass. — A man was found dead inside a home that went up in flames in Billerica on Monday evening.

Frozen hydrants contributed to water issues as firefighters battled the 2-alarm blaze that destroyed the home.

Emergency crews responded to Andover Road around 7 p.m. after receiving reports of smoke conditions at a house.

Firefighters battled the fire as the area experienced freezing temperatures.

When firefighters were able to contain the blaze, rescue personnel were able to get inside the house and found the homeowner, Romolo Capobianco, 78, deceased inside.

A passerby saw flames around 7 p.m. and called 911.

Firefighters said the flames were so intense, they had to evacuate the house immediately. It took crews well over an hour to get water supply to the house, because the hydrants were frozen.

Capobianco was known as the “Tomato Man” from his long history of growing and selling tomatoes at his Andover Road home and the local Farmer’s Market. He also served for many years on the Billerica Housing Authority.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. The Department of Fire Services and the State Fire Marshal were at the scene Tuesday morning.

Cox Media Group