STONEHAM — Chief Matthew Grafton and Chief Ed Collina jointly report that the Stoneham and Melrose Fire Departments battled a house fire on Friday evening.
A resident of Harrison Street reported that she arrived home just before 7:30 on Friday evening to find her house filled with smoke. She went across the street and dialed 911.
The house is located in Stoneham, but it is so close to the Melrose line that the resident’s position when she called 911 on her cell phone placed her within Melrose, so the initial dispatch went to Melrose Fire. However, in this location, Stoneham Fire would have been dispatched to the scene immediately and concurrently.
Firefighters from both communities arrived within minutes and found a heavy smoke condition. A second alarm of fire was struck, sending additional mutual aid to the scene. Firefighters made a fast attack on the fire and were able to limit the damage, confining the fire to the basement, where fire investigators believed the fire originated.
There were no reported injuries. The fire was knocked down in less than 15 minutes, and fire crews were on-scene for about two hours.
The resident, who is the sole occupant of the home, was not injured. No firefighters were injured, however a cat was founded deceased inside the home. The resident was offered assistance but will be staying with family at this time.
Mutual aid was provided by fire crews from Wakefield, Malden and Saugus, and station coverage was provide by the Everett and Revere Fire Departments.
The cause of the fire, which did not immediately appear to be suspicious, remains under investigation by fire investigators from the Melrose Fire Department. The fire chiefs estimated the damage to the home at about $150,000.
“This was a good example of the natural teamwork that exists among our fire departments in the Metro Boston region,” Chief Collina said. “With crews responding quickly, we were able to limit the damage to the home and keep the fire from spreading beyond the likely point of origin. While it is always unfortunate to see a resident’s home damaged by fire, we are pleased with the professionalism and aggressive work of our firefighters on Friday evening.”
Added Chief Grafton: “The strong partnership between the Stoneham and Melrose Fire Departments is often on display in our communities, and we are very proud of our strong working relationship with our neighbors.”
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