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Authorities investigate Sheffield structure fire that killed two

District Attorney Andrea Harrington said multiple neighbors called 911 and reported a structure fire at 1715 Hewins Street at approximately 5:49 a.m. this morning.

Sheffield — Two people have died as a result of an early morning structure fire in the Ashley Falls section of Sheffield.

The State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Berkshire District Attorney’s Office and the State Fire Marshal’s Office are jointly investigating, District Attorney Andrea Harrington said in a statement.

Harrington said multiple neighbors called 911 and reported a structure fire at 1715 Hewins Street at approximately 5:49 a.m. this morning. Multiple agencies responded minutes later to find the home fully engulfed in flames.

Fire departments from Caanan, Conn., Sheffield, Great Barrington, Egremont, and New Marlboro knocked down and extinguished what Harrington characterized as an “extremely intense blaze.”

After gaining access to the home, first responders discovered the remains of two adults inside. Harrington’s State Police Detective Unit, Sheffield Police, and the State Fire Marshal’s Office are leading the investigation.

“While the fire remains under investigation, preliminary evidence does not indicate that the fire is suspicious in nature,” Harrington said.

Harrington, Sheffield Police Chief Eric Munson, and State Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey all responded to the scene. Southern Berkshire Ambulance and the Berkshire County Sheriff’s Office also provided assistance at the site.

Harrington did not identify the victims, but did say that the State Medical Examiner’s Office took custody of the remains to perform autopsies and positively identify the victims.

According to assessor’s records, 1715 Hewins Street is owned by James R. and Dorene Boltrom. It’s a 900-square-foot, two-bedroom single-family home on 1.28 acres and was built in 1987. The property next door, at 1725 Hewins Street, is the site of the former Commonwealth Automotive Restoration, also owned by James R. Boltrom.

The Massachusetts State Police Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit, Massachusetts State Police Crime Scene Services Section, and troopers from the State Police Lee Barracks are assisting in the active investigation.

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