Investigators Find No Working Smoke Detectors At Site Of Fatal House Fire; Victim Identified

The investigation into the fatal house fire Tuesday night on Green Meadows Drive has determined there were no working smoke detectors inside the home, according to State Fire Marshall Jon Davine.

A spokesman for the state Department of Fire Services identified the victim on Thursday as 62-year-old island resident Peter S. Gurley.

The origin and cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Nantucket Fire Department, Nantucket Police Department, State Police fire investigators assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office, and State Police assigned to the Cape & Islands District Attorney’s office. However, they offered several details on Thursday about what the investigation has revealed so far.

"Collectively, they determined that the fire began in the living room, located at the front right of the first floor," Davine said in a statement released Thursday. "In that area, they located smoking materials and a power strip that powered several electrical devices including an aftermarket phone charge. Neither of these ignition sources could be ruled out. They also located six disabled smoke alarms that had been removed from their bases, contained dead batteries, or had no batteries at all."

In the press release, Davine stated that Gurley died of his injuries after Nantucket firefighters rescued him from the single-family home.

"The Nantucket Fire Department responded to the scene at about 7:30 on Tuesday night, immediately initiating a search for occupants while working to contain and extinguish the fire," Davine stated. "During their search, firefighters located the sole occupant of the home, removed him from the structure, provided emergency medical care, and transported him to Nantucket Cottage Hospital. Tragically, he later passed away."

Nantucket Fire Chief Michael Cranson stated that one firefighter sustained minor injuries and received treatment following the fire Tuesday night.

A small dog named Nixon, who was rescued from the house fire by Nantucket firefighters, survived thanks to their quick actions and the care provided by Nantucket Police Department officers at the scene. Nantucket Police Department officer Jack Moran was seen giving the dog oxygen on the front lawn of the property while firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze. Nixon is now recovering at Offshore Animal Hospital.

“I really think that was excellent, lifesaving medical care,” Offshore Animal Hospital veterinarian Shanna Minior said of the care provided by firefighters and police at the scene. Minior responded to the fire Tuesday night and took Nixon to the hospital herself. “Right now, he’s stable, and we’re just doing supportive care and monitoring until the family decides what’s best for him.”

Cranson on Thursday stressed the importance of ensuring that homes and businesses have working smoke detectors.

“Smoke alarms are fundamental life safety tools, and I’m urging all our residents to be sure they’re in place on every level of your home,” Cranson said. “Many tragic events like this one can be prevented with working alarms. If your alarms take alkaline batteries, be sure to change the batteries twice a year when you change your clocks. While you’re at it, check the manufacturing date printed on the back. Replace smoke alarms after 10 years, and test them every month to be sure you and the people you love are protected.”

Emergency radio dispatches Tuesday night indicated the man was on the second floor of the home when he called 911 to report the fire, but dispatchers later told responding firefighters that he became unresponsive over the phone.