Malden firefighters responded to a fire at a trailer park near 685 Broadway just before 10 a.m. on Monday, where an elderly woman was the sole occupant of a trailer that was quickly engulfed in flames. The resident escaped with smoke inhalation and was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

Fire spreads to neighboring unit

According to Deputy Chief Keith Buchanan, six crews were on scene and it took a little more than an hour to subdue the stubborn blaze. The fire not only destroyed the woman’s trailer but also spread to an adjacent unit, damaging its siding. Two occupants of the neighboring trailer were able to evacuate safely.

Cause under investigation

The woman told firefighters she heard a loud bang or explosion before smoke filled the room she was in. The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation by the fire department and local authorities.

Fire safety concerns in trailer parks

Deputy Chief Buchanan noted that trailer parks present unique fire‑risk challenges. Homes are built close together and often feature aluminum siding and roofs, which can allow flames to spread rapidly from one unit to the next. Residents are encouraged to maintain clear space around their trailers, keep fire extinguishers accessible, and ensure smoke detectors are functional.

The Malden Fire Department continues to monitor the situation and will provide updates as the investigation progresses. Community members are urged to check on neighbors, especially seniors living alone, and to report any suspicious activity that could lead to a fire.

Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.