Investigation into fatal Worcester fire focuses on second-floor heater

WORCESTER, Mass. — Investigators from the state fire marshals' office are looking at a heater on the second floor as a potential cause of a fire that killed Worcester Lt. Jason Menard, according to court documents.

When fire crews arrived at the home on the morning of Nov. 13, heavy fire was coming from the second floor and fire conditions worsened rapidly.

According to the Worcester-Telegram, the investigation centers around a second-floor bedroom where a pile of clothing was stacked up against a doorway near that heater.

A cigarette lighter was also recovered from that bedroom.

Lt. Menard died from his injuries fighting the blaze after helping three other members of his crew escape the flames through a window.

Firefighter Chris Pace is still recovering at the hospital.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Cox Media Group