A major house fire in Rochester claimed the life of Richard Cutcliffe, 62, along with the family dog, and left one other resident injured on Sunday morning, May 20.
The fire was reported just after 9:00 am, and Rochester Fire arrived at 1008 Walnut Plain Road where a house was engulfed in flames with only one of the two occupants outside.
The owner of the house, Jeanne Cutcliffe, 90, survived the fire, but her brother was pronounced deceased at Tobey Hospital in Wareham. Ms. Cutcliffe was also treated at Tobey Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
Rochester called for assistance from Mattapoisett, Marion, Middleboro, Acushnet, and Freetown. Marion and Mattapoisett both assisted with water supply and pumping.
At 9:48 am, it was reported over the scanner that the victims were being removed from the house, and at 9:51 am Rochester requested a second alarm, reporting that the fire was in the basement and first floor and CPR was being administered to one of the victims, saying, “Doubtful will hold.”
After the request for a third alarm, the fire was brought under control just before 11:00 am.
Rochester Fire Chief Scott Weigel stated on May 21 that the incident is now under investigation by the State Fire Marshal’s Office as well as the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office because a fatality resulted.
Weigel stated, however, that the fire is being ruled an accident.
The community has responded to the tragedy in kindness, as the Rochester Council on Aging has called on residents to make donations to assist Ms. Cutcliffe with clothing, toiletries, and monetary donations. A fundraiser for Ms. Cutcliffe is in the works, but no further details were available before press time.
By Jean Perry