GLOUCESTER — Chief Eric Smith reports that the Gloucester Fire Department extinguished a house fire this morning. At approximately 9 a.m., the Gloucester Fire Department received a report of a residential fire at 5 Perkins Street.
Upon arrival, crews saw smoke coming from the front door of the two-story single family home. The four occupants of the house had safely evacuated prior to firefighters’ arrival.
Firefighters on Engine 1 entered the smoke-filled house and stretched a hose line through the first floor and into the bathroom, where they determined the blaze had originated.
Crews from Ladder 2 and Rescue 1 began venting the smoke and checking the second floor for extension. At the same time, Engine 2 from the West Gloucester station established a water supply from a nearby hydrant.
Due to the coordinated aggressive fire attack and simultaneous ventilation by crews, there was minimal fire extension on the first floor. The entirety of the home, however, sustained significant smoke damage and it was deemed uninhabitable.
No injuries were reported.
“Crews did a fantastic job tackling this fire from all angles to ensure it was put out quickly and that it did not extend to the second floor,” Chief Smith said. “We’re thankful everyone made it out of the home OK and that no one was injured.”
Damage to the home is estimated at $20,000. A preliminary investigation determined the fire most likely originated in the ceiling of the bathroom, where there is a ventilation fan.
The American Red Cross was contacted and responded to the scene.
The Gloucester Fire Department responded to Perkins Street this morning after a fire ignited in the ceiling of a home’s bathroom. (Courtesy Photo Gloucester Fire Department)
