By Guy Page

Three bodies were recovered from three separate fires in Barre, Hinesburg and Bristol over the weekend, according to WCAX reports and local and state officials.

In Barre, a late-night fire Saturday claimed the life of 69-year-old resident Christopher Florucci. Fire crews responded to the blaze and worked through the night, remaining on scene until about 10 a.m. Sunday to bring the fire under control.

The building, described as a commercial storage space with an attached apartment, posed additional challenges due to its proximity to power lines. Officials temporarily shut off electricity to nearby residents in both Barre Town and the city; power has since been restored.

Witnesses reported hearing a loud explosion before flames became visible from a distance. Firefighters returned to the scene Sunday afternoon to extinguish remaining hot spots as the structure continued to smolder.

Barre Town Fire Chief Andy Lange noted the incident marked the department’s second fatal fire in less than a month and emphasized the importance of working smoke detectors. During the overnight response, staff from a local Domino’s delivered food and water to crews at the scene.

In Hinesburg, a woman was found dead following an apartment fire Sunday evening at a complex on Lyman Meadow. Emergency crews were called at approximately 6:20 p.m. after a neighbor reported smoke coming from one of the units.

Firefighters encountered moderate fire and smoke conditions and, after containing the blaze, discovered the victim inside. Authorities say the death does not appear suspicious. The scene remained secured overnight as investigators from the Vermont Department of Public Safety’s Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit and the Bureau of Criminal Investigations prepared to examine the cause of the fire and the circumstances of the death.

The victim’s identity has not yet been released pending notification of family. Multiple agencies responded, including Hinesburg, Charlotte, Shelburne, Williston, Huntington, Monkton and Starksboro fire departments.

Meanwhile, in Bristol, police are investigating a fatal car fire discovered early Friday morning at the intersection of South Street and Hewitt Road. A body was found inside the burning vehicle.

Bristol Police Chief Bruce Nason said preliminary information does not indicate the fire was suspicious, and authorities do not believe there is any danger to the public. Investigators are seeking security camera footage from the area between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. as they continue to gather information.

Officials have not yet released the identity of the person found in the vehicle.