Authorities continue to investigate the exact cause of a fire that began in the basement of a three-story apartment complex at 9 Magnolia St. in Attleboro on Thursday, July 31. (Photo Courtesy Attleboro Fire Department)
ATTLEBORO — Chief Scott T. Lachance reports that the Attleboro Fire Department, Massachusetts State Police assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office, and the Attleboro Police Department continue to investigate a fire that broke out in an apartment building on Thursday afternoon.
On Thursday, July 31, at approximately 1:27 p.m., Attleboro Fire responded to 9 Magnolia St. for a report of a house fire with residents potentially trapped inside.
On arrival, crews observed heavy fire and smoke showing from the first floor of the three-story, 12-unit apartment building. Firefighters determined the fire began in a rear basement apartment.
Firefighters stretched multiple hoselines and aggressively attacked the blaze, bringing the bulk of the fire under control within about 15 minutes.
All residents had self-evacuated from the home before firefighters’ arrival. One resident was transported by Attleboro Fire ambulance to Rhode Island Hospital with serious injuries. His condition is not immediately available.
Twenty-four residents have been temporarily displaced due to the fire and are receiving assistance from the Red Cross of Massachusetts.
Firefighters removed two dogs from the home, and they are expected to survive.
State Police assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office, including hazardous materials technicians, responded Thursday to assist with the investigation.
The exact cause of the fire remains officially undetermined and is under investigation by local and state officials, but investigators are looking at the failure of an electric scooter powered by lithium-ion batteries as a possible source.
All inquiries regarding a criminal investigation should be directed to the Attleboro Police Department.
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The Attleboro Fire Department and mutual aid partners extinguished an apartment fire at 9 Magnolia St. on Thursday, July 31. (Photo Courtesy Attleboro Fire Department)
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