New info released on Christmas Eve fire that killed woman in her 20s in Needham

Officials have released new information amid their ongoing investigation into the massive house fire that killed a woman in Needham, Massachusetts, early on Christmas Eve.

The Massachusetts Department of Fire Services said in an update Friday that the cause of Wednesday’s blaze at 28 Woodworth Road remains undetermined at this time, but preliminary evidence suggests it started in the home’s garage and was accidental, not suspicious.

The deadly fire is being jointly investigated by the Needham Fire Department, Needham Police, Massachusetts State Police fire investigators assigned to the state fire marshal’s office, and state police assigned to the Norfolk County District Attorney’s office.

Dozens of firefighters battled a fire that left a young woman dead.

Investigators, citing an examination on scene, as well as witness interviews and other evidence, say they believe the flames began in the rear of an attached garage located at the right side of the three-story, single-family home. Several potential heat sources were identified in that area that could have contributed to the fire, all of which were accidental, according to officials.

One occupant, only identified so far as a woman in her 20s, was found dead inside the home. Two other adults escaped and were treated at the scene.

“Our thoughts have been with the family since the early morning hours of December 24 and they remain with the family today,” Needham Fire Chief Thomas Conroy said in a statement Friday. “I want to recognize the outpouring of compassion from Needham residents who are sending their love and support.”

The deadly fire right before Christmas has been a heart wrenching event for the entire community, including the first responders.

The raging fire drew a four-alarm response shortly before 5 a.m. Wednesday, with about 75 firefighters from across the region, including places like Boston, Brookline, Dedham, Natick, Newton, Norwood, Milton, Wellesley, and Westwood, battling the flames for more than seven hours.

The home sustained catastrophic damage, officials have said, and all residents have been displaced since Wednesday.

It’s unclear when authorities will release the victim’s name. No other information was provided Friday.