Firefighters in Western Massachusetts are mourning the loss of Montgomery's fire chief after he died at a house fire Tuesday night.
Crews were called to a home on Southampton Road for a chimney fire around 11 p.m., but found heavy flames coming from the home.
While he was working the fire, Chief Stephen Frye, 59, collapsed at the scene, according to WesternMassNews.com.
The chief was taken to Baystate Hospital where he died, Department of Fire Services Public Information Officer Jennifer Mieth told WWLP.
Frye, who joined the Montgomery Volunteer Fire Department in 1993, served as the department's chief for the last 17 years, State Fire Marshal Peter Peter J. Ostroskey.
“The small, close-knit fire department is devastated by the loss of the member, as is the entire community of Montgomery and the area first responders, ” Meith said.
Meith said smoke alarms alerted the family to the fire, and they were able to escape the fire, which officials said started in a wood-burning stove.
Ostroskey used this fire as a reminder of the importance to have heating devices checked and serviced.
Tankers were needed to bring water to the scene.
