Gloucester Fire Department Extinguishes Two-Alarm Building Fire

GLOUCESTER — Fire Chief Eric Smith reports that the Gloucester Fire Department responded to a two-alarm building fire on Friend Street.

On Thursday, June 20, at approximately 2:41 p.m., the Gloucester Fire Department responded to 71 Friend St., for a report of a structure fire. 

Companies arrived within two minutes and found smoke showing from the second floor of a three-story home. A second alarm was struck to bring additional manpower to the scene due to the day’s heat and humidity.

Companies immediately entered the home to search for residents and to attack the fire, which was quickly knocked down and contained to a single room. All residents evacuated on their own or were not home at the time of the fire.

There were no reported injuries. Two pets, a dog and a rabbit, lost their lives.

Fourteen residents were displaced. The American Red Cross was requested to respond and provide shelter, food, supplies, and comfort as needed.

Firefighters from Rockport, Essex and Manchester-by-the-Sea provided mutual aid. Firefighters from Beverly, Hamilton, and Ipswich covered Gloucester stations. 

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Gloucester Fire Department.

“Companies did a great job considering the weather conditions and the size of the home,” said Chief Smith. “It was an outstanding stop to maintain control of the fire in the room where it started.”