WEST NEWBURY — Chief Michael Dwyer reports that the West Newbury Fire Department quelled a one-alarm fire on Middle Street late Monday night.
The fire department received a 911 call from 87 Middle Street at 11:54 p.m., on Jan. 4. The female homeowner reported she heard a noise come from the chimney and later determined that there was a fire in the basement.
Police, Fire Engine 24, and Tower 28 arrived on scene around midnight, while the Groveland Fire Department covered the West Newbury fire station. At the residence, the woman, her husband and their two young children were already outside. The family’s dogs and cats were also safe during the incident.
Firefighters aggressively attacked the fire, which had originated in the basement and traveled up through the wall to the first floor of their two-story, wood-framed home.
Chief Dwyer believes that the furnace failed due to rust or damage, causing the wall to catch fire. He expects there is several thousand dollars of damage. The family is unable to return home, but has been put in touch with the Red Cross for assistance.
The fire was knocked down and the scene cleared around 12:15 a.m. No one was injured.
Now that the winter weather has arrived, Chief Dwyer reminds residents to conduct annual furnace tune-ups by licensed professionals, schedule flue cleaning for chimneys and make sure that smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms are installed and properly working throughout homes. These initiatives will help prevent fires, and alert homeowners if a fire were to occur.
“We are thankful that the family got out in time and that no one was injured during this fire,” Chief Dwyer said. “As residents begin turning on their heat this winter, please remember to check on heating devices to make sure they are working properly and to install or replace expired smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.”
