WEST NEWBURY — Chief Michael Dwyer reports that the West Newbury Fire Department responded to a house fire in the basement of a home on Archelaus Hill Road last night.
At approximately 6:21 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 1, firefighters responded to a 911 call for a fire at 11 Archelaus Hill Road. Upon arrival crews confirmed a fire in the basement of the home.
Firefighters worked aggressively to knock down the fire and extinguished the blaze by 6:49 p.m.
Smoke detectors were activated and alerted the homeowners. Two adults and two children and one dog were able to safely evacuate the home by the time firefighters arrived.
Extensive damage to the basement was sustained as a result of the fire.
Crews from Newburyport (including Fire Chief Christopher LeClaire), Groveland (including Assistant Fire Chief Kurt Ruchala), Amesbury (including Assistant Fire Chief David Mather), Newbury, Groveland and Georgetown provided assistance on scene.
The Newbury and Georgetown fire departments provided station coverage during the incident.
Atlantic Ambulance Service provided assistance on scene and coverage for the town.
West Newbury Police and DPW crews also responded and provided assistance directing traffic on Archelaus Hill Road and ensuring safe road conditions for fire crews.
“We were able to get this fire under control thanks to an aggressive attack by initial crews on scene and quick activation of mutual aid,” Chief Dwyer said. “We received assistance through multiple tanker trucks, and through cooperation between departments the fire was extinguished in a timely manner.”
A West Newbury firefighter was taken to Anna Jaques Hospital in Newburyport and treated for minor injuries and has since been released.
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the West Newbury Fire Department.
Firefighters from West Newbury and neighboring communities battled a fire on Archelaus Hill Road Wednesday, Jan. 1. (Photo courtesy Michael Kent)
Newburyport Fire Lt. Richard Thurlow exits a home on Archelaus Hill Road after firefighters from West Newbury and neighboring communities worked to extinguish a basement fire at the home Wednesday, Jan. 1.
Firefighters from West Newbury and neighboring communities battled fire on Archelaus Hill Road Wednesday, Jan. 1. (Photo courtesy Michael Kent)
