Police Investigating Fatal Fire Behind Ashland Home
ASHLAND (CBS) – State Police and the medical examiner's office were called to Ashland following a fatal fire overnight behind a home.
Flames were reported at a shed in a wooded area behind a home on Oak Street early Monday morning. The house was not damaged, but the shed was destroyed.
The victim's identity has not been released. They are described only as an adult.
"There were no immediate signs of foul play, and there have been past reports of homeless individuals taking shelter in the shed," police said.
The area was blocked off by police tape while firefighters worked at the scene. Firefighters say all residents at the house are accounted for and uninjured.
Local and Massachusetts State Police are involved in the investigation along with the Middlesex District Attorney's office. The medical examiner was on scene, but left after a short time.
After the medical examiner left, firefighters returned to the shed to dump water on the smoldering structure.
Ashland Police said there is no threat to the community.
It is not yet known how the fire started.