WEST NEWBURY — Chief Michael Dwyer reports the West Newbury Fire Department responded to a fire at a single family home in town this afternoon.
Shortly after 12:15 p.m., West Newbury Fire was dispatched to 78 Maple St. after receiving several 911 calls reporting smoke and flames coming from the 2.5 story home.
When first responders arrived, they found heavy smoke and fire coming from the rear of the home. One homeowner and two cats were home at the time of the fire and were able to safely evacuate from the home.
Firefighters conducted an aggressive attack and were able to extinguish the flames, which had been contained to the rear of the building. Assistant Chief Benjamin Jennell was in command of the scene. The fire was deemed under control about a half hour later and the scene was cleared at approximately 2:30 p.m.
Two individuals were transported by Atlantic Ambulance to a local hospital to be treated for non-life threatening injuries. A third individual was evaluated by EMS at the scene.
The home, which had working smoke alarms, sustained significant smoke, water and fire damage. It is uninhabitable at this time.
The Groveland, Georgetown, Merrimac and Newburyport Fire Departments responded to the scene to provide mutual aid. The State Fire Marshal’s Office assisted on scene as well. The Amesbury and Newbury Fire Departments provided coverage for West Newbury Fire.
“It was great work by all who responded today,” Chief Dwyer said. “We are lucky to have such strong mutual aid partners in our neighboring communities who are able to help out during incidents such as this. The quick response and professionalism of all who responded to today’s incident helped to mitigate the damage to the home.”
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the West Newbury Fire Department and the State Fire Marshal’s Office, but is not believed to be suspicious.
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