Three-alarm blaze at JP day care kills dog
A fast-moving, threealarm fire that torched an at-home Jamaica Plain day care center left one dog dead and was sparked by an unattended candle, fire officials said.
Firefighters responding to the 10 a.m. Lamartine Street blaze found “heavy fire” on the first floor that quickly spread to the second level, fire department spokesman Marc Sanders said. Five children and a day care supervisor managed to escape unharmed.
Knowing children could be trapped inside had firefighters racing to the scene preparing for the worst, Sanders said.
“Anytime you hear there’s children involved, especially a day care where there are going to be younger children, there’s an increased sense of urgency,” he said. “We’re happy to see everyone get out.”
Fire department spokesman Steve MacDonald said a “small dog” perished in the blaze and credited smoke detectors with helping to get the occupants out safely.
Margatira Acevedo is licensed to run a day care for up to eight children in the home’s basement and first-floor living room, according to the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care. Her license expires in September 2020.
Acevedo was too distraught to speak yesterday, a relative said. The fire caused an estimated $1 million in damage and four adults were displaced, officials said.
Outside the home, Tresha Young stood with tears in her eyes as she embraced her 3-year-old daughter, Glorielle.
“To come here and see the company lost, I was devastated,” she said, adding the day care provider is a “lady of God” who is adored by the children she cares for.