NORTH READING — Chief Don Stats reports that the North Reading Fire Department extinguished a house fire on Tuesday. On Tuesday, April 16, at 12:14 p.m., the North Reading Fire Department received a 911 call about a house fire from a resident of 114 Haverhill St. Firefighter Jon Burt, who was attending a nearby hazardous materials team drill, was on scene within seconds and reported heavy smoke coming from the three-unit, multi-family dwelling. All residents were able to evacuate.
North Reading Engine 2, Ladder 1, and Rescue 1 arrived within a minute of the 911 call, and the fire was knocked down within 12 minutes. Firefighters quickly checked for any fire extension, searched all three units, and removed and reunited three cats with their owners.
All three units were determined to be uninhabitable due to fire, smoke, and water damage. North Reading Elder Services along with the American Red Cross responded to assist with housing and other needs for the three displaced residents.
Mutual aid was provided by the Reading and Middleton Fire Departments and station coverage was provided by the Wakefield and Wilmington Fire Departments. North Reading Inspectional Services along with Reading Municipal Light Department responded to assist. North Reading Police assisted with traffic control and fire investigation.
The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental.
“I am extremely proud of our firefighters. Their quick efforts prevented this from being a major loss,” said Deputy Chief Barry Galvin. “Our mutual aid partners were extremely helpful as they always are. All involved town departments worked well together. In fact, the Senior Center went beyond expectations in helping the displaced residents.”
Deputy Chief Galvin would like to remind residents of the importance of having working smoke detectors on every level of the home and to be extra careful when cooking, making sure there are no combustible materials near the cooking area.
