Neighbor to rescue at fire
2 firefighters suffer heat exhaustion
Two firefighters were injured battling a “stubborn” four-alarm blaze in Groveland late Saturday, but the residents made it out alive thanks to a neighbor who heard an explosion and ran to wake them as the house burst into flames, officials said.
The firefighters were taken to the hospital where they were treated for heat exhaustion and released, according to Groveland fire officials.
Officials said a neighbor called 911 just after 10:30 p.m., alerting dispatchers to the fire at 25 Broad St. before running next door to wake the sleeping residents.
Firefighters then battled the “difficult-to-knockdown” blaze at the large 1850s home for nearly two hours into the early morning hours of Sunday. Multiple ladder trucks and engines from surrounding communities were called to the scene.
“Because of the additions to the home and the voids in the way the residence was constructed, it was difficult to get to the fire,” said Groveland Fire Chief Robert Valentine. “The teamwork and mutual aid system worked perfectly in getting this blaze knocked down, and everyone did an outstanding job.”
Firefighters had the blaze under control by 12:20 a.m. and cleared the scene at 4:46 a.m., officials said. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Fire companies from West Newbury, Newbury, Newburyport, Amesbury, Merrimac, Haverhill, Georgetown, North Andover, Lawrence, Newton (New Hampshire), and Topsfield provided mutual aid and station coverage.
Fire also broke out in the attic of a Boston home early Sunday, the Boston Fire Department reported.
No one was injured in the 8:25 a.m. fire at 63 Waldeck St., but damages are estimated at $100,000. Six residents were displaced and are working with the Red Cross to find housing.