February 20, 2026 – Monson, Massachusetts – Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni and Monson Fire Chief Brian S. Harris have announced that two individuals have died following a three-alarm residential fire on Silver Street in Monson.

At approximately 4:30 p.m., Monson firefighters responded to multiple 911 calls reporting heavy smoke coming from a single-family home. Upon arrival, crews encountered heavy fire conditions throughout the structure. The home sustained catastrophic damage, including multiple roof collapses, as firefighters worked to bring the blaze under control.

The deceased have been identified as John Lynch, 75,and Linda Lynch, 73.

Two Monson police officers who attempted to make entry into the residence were treated for smoke inhalation and transported for medical evaluation.

“This is a heartbreaking tragedy for the Monson community,” said District Attorney Gulluni. “Our thoughts are with the loved ones of those who lost their lives, and we remain grateful to the first responders who acted quickly under extremely difficult conditions.”

The origin and cause of the fire remain under investigation by the Monson Fire Department, Monson Police Department, State Police fire investigators assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s Office, and State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Hampden District Attorney’s Office, with assistance from the Department of Fire Services’ Code Compliance & Enforcement Unit.

Due to the lack of municipal water supply and frozen nearby water sources, numerous tanker trucks from regional fire departments were required to shuttle water to the scene. Mutual aid was provided by the Bondsville, Brimfield, Three Rivers, Ludlow, Palmer, Wales, and Wilbraham Fire Departments.