Bristol man dies after Fernwood Road fire

John Mason suffered burns and smoke inhalation; the specific cause of death has not been released

EastBayRI.com ·

A Bristol man has died after suffering injuries during a house fire on Fernwood Road late last month, police have confirmed.

John Mason, 76, of 16 Fernwood Road, died at Rhode Island Hospital from “complications due to injuries sustained during a fire,” Bristol Police Capt. Brian Burke said Tuesday.

The exact cause of death is unknown, according to Bristol Fire Chief Michael DeMello. Mr. Mason and another man in the home — reportedly Mr. Mason’s son, John Mason Jr. —were transported to Rhode Island Hospital the night of the fire, March 30, after suffering burns and smoke inhalation. Both men were able to get out of the house under their own power before firefighters arrived.

Firefighters were able to quickly knock the fire down that night. The side windows and part of the front of the home remain boarded up, and scorch marks are visible on the home’s exterior. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, Chief DeMello said.

Bristol Fire Department, Bristol Police Department