Whitman Fire Department Extinguishes House Fire Monday Afternoon

WHITMAN — Chief Timothy Clancy reports that the Whitman Fire Department extinguished a house fire yesterday afternoon.

On Monday, June 25 at 2:57 p.m., the Whitman Fire Department received a call for a fire under the rear porch of a home at 135 Broad St. 

All occupants evacuated the three-story, two-family wood-frame home prior to the arrival of firefighters. No injuries were reported.

Due to limited staffing, because firefighters were responding to other calls at the time, an Abington Fire engine and a Brockton Fire ladder were assigned to the initial alarm. All off-duty and on-duty Whitman firefighters were also requested to respond to the scene. 

Upon arrival, firefighters observed a fire under the porch which was extending into the house. Crews stretched a hose line to the rear of the house and made a quick initial attack. Other companies soon arrived and the exterior walls of the home were opened up and the remaining fire was extinguished. All three floors of the home and the basement were checked for extension.

The scene was cleared at 5:19 p.m.

The Whitman Police Department and Abington, Brockton, Rockland, Hanson, Halifax and Bridgewater fire departments provided mutual aid while the Rockland Fire Department provided station coverage. 

The building commissioner and wiring and health inspectors also responded to the scene. Residents were able to return to the home after the scene was cleared. 

“We thank our mutual aid partners for their assistance in quickly knocking down this fire while our on-duty personnel were responding to EMS calls at the time,” Chief Clancy said. “Their quick response and collaborative efforts allowed the families in this building to safely return to their home with minimal damage.”

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Whitman Fire Department, and the State Police Fire & Explosion Investigation Unit assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office. The initial investigation indicates that the fire was likely caused by improperly discarded smoking materials, but the matter remains under investigation.

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