DA: Gloucester fire ruled arson, suicide

Nate Homan Posted on January 20, 2016

A Gloucester house fire was intentionally set as an act of suicide, the district attorney’s office said.

Authorities responded to the raging fireon Hammond Streetat about 3:42 a.m. on Jan. 11, according to the Essex County District Attorney’s Office.Firefighters were able to put the blaze out after forcing their way inside of the home. They found the body of Alan Feener, 53, on the second floor.

Investigators determined that the fire was intentionally set in the second floor bathroom.

While the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has not made an official ruling on the cause and manner of death, the investigation indicates that it was an apparent suicide, according to district attorney’s office.