Barre Town, VT (April 14, 2026) – Two people lost their lives in separate apartment fires that occurred in Vermont over the weekend. The first fire broke out late on Saturday night into Sunday morning at a location on Mill Street in Barre Town.
Emergency units were called shortly after 11 p.m. on Saturday 11 after neighbors reported hearing what sounded like an explosion. The fire involved an old warehouse that contained a single apartment unit. Once conditions allowed entry, crews searched the building and were later informed that someone may have been inside.
Firefighters found 69-year-old Christopher Florucci deceased inside the apartment where he lived. Officials said an autopsy will be conducted to determine the exact cause and manner of death. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.
The second fire was reported around 6:20 p.m. on Sunday at an apartment complex in the Lyman Meadow area after a neighbor noticed smoke coming from a unit. Emergency units arrived to find moderate fire and smoke conditions. After bringing the fire under control, a woman was found dead inside the apartment.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available.
We extend our sincere condolences to the families of the deceased.
What Investigators Look At After Apartment Fires Like These
After apartment fires, early efforts usually focus on determining where the fire started and how it spread through the structure. Investigators often examine burn patterns, building materials, and any possible ignition sources inside the unit.
Witness statements can also help build a timeline of events before emergency units arrive. Reports from neighbors or occupants may provide details about unusual sounds, smoke, or electrical issues.
Weather conditions and the layout of the building are also reviewed. Older structures, in particular, may have materials or designs that allow fire and smoke to spread quickly between rooms or floors.
Medical findings and autopsy results may later help clarify the cause of death when victims are discovered inside fire-damaged buildings.
