PUTNAM – An elderly woman is dead and her son injured after a fire broke out in her home early Monday morning.
Police said the fire was called in at 274 Grove St. shortly after 5 a.m.
Richard Savaria, 56, was able to escape the home with smoke inhalation and cuts. He was transported to Day Kimball Hospital.
Officials confirmed that Savaria’s mother, Dorothy Savaria, 92, died in the home.
“He stated that his elderly female mother was still in the residence and at that point there was fire blowing out all the windows and doors,” Putnam Fire Chief Norman Bernier said.
Neighbors reacted to news of the fire Monday afternoon.
"I grew up in this neighborhood all my life. You know, the Savarias’ were fairly quiet, kept to themselves,” Martin Walsh said.
"When I went by he always waved and was friendly. I knew him when he was a little boy,” Neighbor Louise Anderson said of Richard Savaria. “They've been here for, oh, I'd say at least 50 years.”
Officials said the home is a total loss. The state fire marshal is investigating the fire.
