 |
On Saturday, February 21, 2009, at 12:07pm, Norton Fire and Police were dispatched to 312 Reservoir Street for a report of a house fire. The fire was reported by a witness who was driving by the residence and observed the fire. The first officer on scene was Ptlm. David Schepis. When the officer arrived, witnesses were stating that someone was trapped inside the residence. Ptlm. Schepis, along with off-duty Norton Firefighter Jack Morrissey and several civilians, attempted to gain entry into the residence through windows, but were
unable due to the heavy fire and smoke. The first on-duty Norton Firefighter on scene was Captain Benton Keene who organized fire personnel in an effort to suppress the fire.
It was determined that a woman from the residence, Dianne Fagerberg, age 45, had escaped the fire prior to emerency personnel arriving on scene. She was transported to Sturdy Hospital. Fagerberg's son, James Robito, age 24, was not able to escape and was later confirmed deceased. No other residents were in the home at the time.
Reservoir Street was closed for approximately seven hours.
Assisting Fire Departments from surrounding towns included Mansfield, Easton, Attleboro and Rehoboth. Assistance was also provided by the Providence Canteen truck. Norton Police were assisted by Mansfield Police.
The incident remains under investigation by the Norton Fire Department, Norton Police Department, and Massachusetts State Police assigned to the State Fire Marshall's Office and Bristol County DA's Office.
| |
