Hazmat crews on scene of house fire, ‘suspected meth lab,’ state police say

MANSFIELD, Mass. (WLNE)- Crews from the Mansfield Fire Department were on the scene of a house fire at a “suspected meth lab” early Tuesday morning.

Crews arrived to the home on Stearns Avenue at about 1:48 a.m., all residents had safely been evacuated from the home.

Firefighters were able to quickly put out the fire in the second-floor bedroom.

The fire investigator found that there were chemicals in the home that were used in manufacturing unlawful narcotics.

“Evidence gathered at this time suggests the chemicals and related items in the home were being used to manufacture methamphetamine,” said a state police spokesperson.

State police said that 48-year-old Robert Triggs was arrested on the following charges:

• Possession with Intent to Manufacture Methamphetamine
• Possession of a Class B narcotic
• Possession of a Class E narcotic
• Drug violation near school

Triggs is set to be arraigned in Attleboro District Court on Tuesday afternoon.

The Massachusetts State Fire Marshal’s Hazmat team, as well as Massachusetts State Police are investigating further.

Residents are advised to avoid the area of Stearns Avenue due to emergency vehicles blocking the roadway.

This is a developing story, more information will be added as it becomes available.