ANDOVER — Chief Michael Mansfield reports that Andover Fire Rescue and its mutual aid partners were called to the scene of a house fire early Monday.
A person inside the home at 530 Lowell St. called 911 at 3:33 a.m. and reported fire was coming from outside the building. Dispatchers initially had issues communicating with the caller because of a language barrier. While on the call, dispatchers heard smoke detectors going off and urged occupants to evacuate immediately.
When the first crews arrived, they observed significant fire coming from the rear of the 3,000-square-foot house. They immediately resorted to defensive tactics. A second alarm was struck at 4:18 a.m.
The house was located more than a half-mile from the closest hydrant, requiring firefighters to run lines a significant distance up the driveway. Solar panels on the roof of the home meant firefighters had problems attacking the fire from above.
There were no injuries. The home, valued at more than $1 million, was declared a total loss.
Mutual aid was provided by Lawrence, North Reading and Tewksbury. Methuen, Wilmington and Haverhill crews provided station coverage.
The origin and cause of the fire remain under investigation by Andover Fire Rescue and the State Police Fire & Explosion Investigation Unit assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office.
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