BOSTON, Feb. 16, 2018—Chelsea and State police and fire investigators combing the scene of an apparent brush fire found some signs of accidental ignition last night but have not made any final determinations, officials said today.

At about 6:40 pm, the Chelsea Fire Department and State Police assigned to the Revere barracks responded to the area of Route 16 near Webster Avenue for a fire at an unpaved area abutting the roadway. On extinguishing the blaze, firefighters observed what appeared to be a dead body and made the standard notifications for a death investigation.

State Police detectives assigned to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office responded to the scene, as did Suffolk prosecutors, Chelsea Police detectives, State Police criminalists, the State Fire Marshal’s office, and accelerant-sniffing K-9 unit.

The deceased was badly burned but appeared to be an adult male. The office of the Chief Medical Examiner will attempt to determine the cause and manner of his death. A mattress that fire investigators said was highly flammable was found in close proximity to the body, as were cardboard debris, sterno, a cigarette pack, and other items that may indicate an accidental fire. Nonetheless, officials said, the investigation into the origin of the fire, the cause of the man’s death, and his identity is still under way.

Multiple witnesses reported the fire to 911 beginning at 6:37 pm, but any motorists or passersby who may have observed the area shortly before then are asked to contact Chelsea or State Police.

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All defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.