NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WLNE) – Officials say 88-year-old Alfred Martin, of New Bedford, was killed in Monday’s house fire on Cotter Street. “On behalf of the New Bedford Fire Department, I want to express our heartfelt condolences to Mr. Martin’s family,” said New Bedford Fire Chief Scott Kruger. “Our thoughts are with them, and also with the residents who lost their home. This is a terrible loss for them and the community.” New Bedford fire received the call for a fire in a multi-family home on Monday around 1PM. Firefighters arrived to the scene finding heavy smoke and fire coming from the building.  Five people were treated for smoke inhalation and injuries from escaping the fire. The origin and cause of the fire remain under investigation. Investigators have determined the fire began near a couch in the first floor living room. They found smoking materials and an electrical outlet in the area but have not reached a determination as to the exact cause. Officials also add that this fire does not appear to have started in a suspicious manner.   Categories: News