Five Hurt in Rooming House Fire on May St in Worcester, MA

Worcester, MA (May 21, 2026) – A fire at a rooming house hurt five people on Wednesday, May 20, in Worcester. The blaze started just before 11 p.m. at 41 May Street, a three-story residential building near the Hollywood Street intersection.

Emergency units responded shortly after receiving reports of the fire. Initial reports indicated that people were still on the third floor. Two residents came out and confirmed they had been upstairs, and responders were able to determine that everyone had made it out of the building.

One resident was taken to a local hospital with serious injuries. Three other residents and one member of the emergency crew were also taken to hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries.

During the response, 37-year-old Sarah Beth Martinez ran back into the burning building barefoot. Two officers reached her and placed her under arrest. She was charged with obstructing and interfering with a firefighter, resisting arrest, disturbing the peace, and disorderly conduct, and had two outstanding warrants.

Fifteen people were displaced by the fire. The Worcester Fire Department continues to investigate the cause of the fire.

We hope everyone injured makes a full and steady recovery.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a House Fire in Worcester, MA?

In Massachusetts, house fire liability depends on the cause and who had a duty to keep the property safe. A landlord may be responsible for poor maintenance, faulty wiring, or missing smoke detectors. A manufacturer may be liable if a defective appliance or electrical part caused the fire.

Worcester has many older multi-family homes and rooming houses. Aging wiring, old heating systems, and crowded units can raise fire risks. Tenants rely on landlords to maintain smoke alarms and clear exits.

After a fire, injuries may include burns, smoke inhalation, carbon monoxide exposure, and breathing problems. Even residents without visible burns may need medical care after breathing toxic fumes. Serious burns can require long hospital stays, skin grafts, and rehab.

If a landlord ignored known hazards or failed to follow building code rules, injured tenants may have grounds for a claim. Massachusetts landlords must install and maintain smoke detectors in rental properties. Violations can help support a negligence case.

In most cases, Massachusetts gives you three years from the date of a fire to file a personal injury lawsuit. Starting early helps preserve evidence from the building, including inspection records and maintenance logs that may not be available later.

If you or a loved one were hurt in a fire, having the right support can make a difference. Speaking with a Massachusetts personal injury attorney can be helpful, as they can explain your available options.

For legal assistance, you can contact Attorney Christopher Fiorentino of Fiorentino Legal, P.C at (617) 990-2568. He represents Massachusetts residents in personal injury matters and can help you understand your options after a fire-related injury.

Note: This post is based on information obtained from publicly available secondary sources. While we strive to ensure the accuracy of the information presented, Fiorentino Legal, P.C. has not independently verified all details of the incident reported. If you notice any inaccuracies or missing information, please contact Fiorentino Legal, P.C. so we can promptly review and update the content.

Disclaimer: The content of this post is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal or medical advice. Reading this post does not create an attorney-client relationship with Fiorentino Legal, P.C. If you have been injured in an accident, seek appropriate medical care and consult a qualified attorney regarding your legal options. Any images included are for illustrative purposes only and do not depict the actual accident scene or individuals involved.