CHARLTON — Chief Rob Barton reports that the Charlton Fire Department responded to a two-alarm house fire on Saturday afternoon that left a home temporarily uninhabitable.
Charlton Fire was dispatched at 3:49 p.m. on Saturday, April 25, for a reported structure fire at 44 Gale Road. Responding Charlton police officers arrived first and confirmed smoke showing from the rear of the home.
While en route, Engine 3 requested a second alarm, bringing in mutual aid companies and station coverage.
Upon arrival, firefighters observed smoke showing from the back of the home and from the eaves. Further investigation revealed there was heavy fire on the backside of the house.
Homeowners were attempting to extinguish the fire when crews arrived.
The first arriving Charlton engine stretched a hose line to the back of the home to begin suppression. A second line was stretched through the front door, where crews encountered moderate fire extension inside.
The heaviest fire damage was to the exterior behind the house.
Mutual aid departments from Dudley and Oxford responded with tankers, while Southbridge and Auburn assisted with engines and additional firefighters. Leicester EMS responded to the scene with an ambulance, and Rehab 78 provided firefighter rehabilitation services. Sturbridge Fire provided station coverage with an engine.
Chief Kenneth Sellers of the Oxford Fire Department was the first chief officer to arrive on scene. He established command and helped coordinate the arrival of additional resources.
No civilians or firefighters were injured as a result of the fire. The home is currently uninhabitable.
The fire remains under investigation by the Charlton Fire Department and the Massachusetts State Police Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit attached to the State Fire Marshal’s Office.
“This was a fast-moving fire, and our crews worked quickly to knock it down and keep it from spreading further through the home,” said Chief Barton. “I also want to thank our mutual aid partners for their quick response and assistance.”
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A message from the Charlton Fire Department