NORTH READING — Chief Don Stats reports that the North Reading Fire Department extinguished a house fire on Park Street in low temperatures this morning.
North Reading Fire was dispatched to 288 Park St. just after 8 a.m. Sunday after the homeowner was alerted to a fire at the front of their home by a passerby.
North Reading Engine 3 — Capt. Dave Lee and Firefighters Herb Batchelder, Vincent Zarella and Brian Letendre — was the first-arriving company. Upon arrival, firefighters found heavy fire showing on the front right-side area of the 2.5-story home, which had also extended to the outside of the home, into the second floor and into the attic area. Firefighters worked to extinguish the fire and prevent it from spreading farther through the house.
One person was home at the time of the fire and was able to safely get outside prior to firefighters’ arrival. No injuries were reported in the incident.
Mutual aid was provided on scene by the Reading Fire Department. North Reading Police assisted with traffic and the North Reading Department of Public Works provided salt to combat ice buildup. Rehab Five also responded to the scene to provide support.
The Middleton and Wilmington Fire Departments provided station coverage.
“I want to commend Engine 3 for their work knocking down the fire this morning before it could spread farther through the home,” Chief Stats said. “I would also like to thank all of our mutual aid partners, including Rehab Five, North Reading DPW and North Reading Police, who are valuable resources for our firefighters when working in the cold weather conditions like we experienced this morning.”
The house is currently uninhabitable due to smoke and water damage and the resident is being assisted by friends and family.
The origin and cause of the fire is under investigation by the North Reading Fire and Police departments and the Office of the State Fire Marshal.
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