CHICOPEE, Hampden County, Mass., Oct. 21, 2026 — One person died on Monday night, October 19, in a fire at an apartment building in Chicopee. The blaze broke out at the Edward J. Bury Apartments on Benoit Circle.
Crews were dispatched at 7:35 p.m. and found smoke and flames coming from the rear of the building. Firefighters located the victim dead inside once the fire was brought under control.
The person's name had not been released as of this writing.
The cause and origin of the fire remain under investigation. State Police fire investigators assigned to the State Fire Marshal's office are working the case along with the Chicopee Fire Department, the Chicopee Police Department, and State Police assigned to the Hampden County District Attorney's office.
Our sympathies are with the family of the person who lost their life.
More on Accidents in Chicopee, MA
This incident happened on Benoit Circle in Chicopee, MA. We cover accidents across Hampden County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Hampden County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
What steps should someone take if they escape a building fire?
Get to a safe distance, call 911 if you haven't already, and let firefighters know if anyone may still be inside. Avoid going back in for belongings.
What injuries are most common in building fires?
Smoke inhalation, burns, and injuries from falls or collapsed structures are the most frequent. Even brief exposure to smoke can cause lasting lung damage, so anyone affected should be evaluated by a medical provider.
What usually causes residential fires?
Common causes include electrical faults, unattended cooking, heating equipment, and smoking materials. Investigators typically examine wiring, appliances, and the area where the fire appears to have started to determine the cause.
What to Do After an Apartment Fire in Chicopee, MA
Anyone displaced by an apartment fire should first make sure they and their family have a safe place to stay, then contact their renters' or homeowners' insurance as soon as possible. Keep records of lost belongings and any temporary housing costs. If you have breathed in smoke, even without obvious injury, it's worth getting evaluated, since symptoms can take hours to appear. Residents should also ask the fire department or building management when it's safe to re-enter, and avoid doing so before officials clear the property. Those with questions about building safety or maintenance history can request copies of inspection records from the local fire department.
