IPSWICH — Fire Chief Paul Parisi and Police Chief Paul Nikas report that the Ipswich Fire and Police Departments responded Friday afternoon to a fire in the attached garage of a home.
On Friday, Jan. 10, at about 2:15 p.m., the Ipswich Fire and Police Departments were called to 41 Labor in Vain Road by multiple 911 calls reporting a fire.
Police arrived first, confirmed there was a fire, and ensured there was no one inside the home.
Firefighters arrived a short time later to find heavy fire showing from the attached garage of a two-story home. There was also a significant area of brush burning adjacent to the garage, endangering another home.
The crew of Engine 4 deployed a hoseline and immediately knocked down fire that was spreading toward another nearby home. The crew of Engine 4 then entered the garage and began battling flames there with assistance from Rowley firefighters and the crew of Engine 2, which was staffed by off-duty and call firefighters.
The bulk of the fire was knocked down by 2:50 p.m.
There were no reported injuries.
Firefighters from Hamilton and Rowley provided mutual aid at the scene. Firefighters from Wenham and Essex covered Ipswich Fire stations, and they responded to two medical calls while the fire was ongoing. The Rehab 5 truck also responded to the scene to help firefighters rehabilitate while fighting the fire. The Ipswich Electric Light Department and Ipswich Department of Public Works also assisted at the scene.
The cause remains under investigation by the Ipswich Fire and Police Departments, but it does not appear to be suspicious. Chief Parisi estimates damages to be approximately $50,000.
“This fire was rapidly extending due to a wind-driven condition,” Chief Parisi said. “Having four members on duty was key to being able to execute multiple tasks at once, including the deployment of two handlines, and making entry into the building. Without these resources, the aggressive fire attack would have been delayed.”
Chief Parisi would like to remind all residents to make sure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are present in their homes.
