For Immediate Release

Thursday, April 21, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Newburyport Fire Extinguishes Two-Alarm Blaze on Chapel Street

NEWBURYPORT– Chief Christopher LeClaire reports that the Newburyport Fire Department quelled a two-alarm fire at a residence on Chapel Street in the early hours of Thursday morning.

On April 21, at 3:20 a.m., firefighters responded to 2 Chapel St. on a report of a fire in progress. Engines 1, 2, along with Ladder 2, arrived at the scene within minutes.

Upon their arrival at the 2 1/2 story, single-family, wood framed home, firefighters were met with heavy fire on the left, rear corner of the home, where the exterior porch is located.

One resident was home at the time of the fire but was able to safely exit the house on his own.

By 3:25 a.m., a second alarm was ordered, as the fire had extended into the kitchen on the first floor, up the second floor and into the attic.

Newburyport Engines 3 and 4, and engines from Amesbury, Newbury, Merrimac, and Salisbury Fire Departments, along with a ladder from the West Newbury Fire Department, arrived at the home to assist. Seabrook, N.H., Hampton, N.H. and Exeter N.H. Fire Departments covered the Newburyport stations. The Rye, N.H. Fire Department sent its air trailer and the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services arrived with its rehab unit.

The fire, which is believed to have started on the exterior porch, was put out by 5 a.m. Newburyport firefighters remained on scene throughout the morning clearing hot spots. No injuries were reported.

The resident’s motor vehicle was destroyed in the fire, and he will be staying with relatives in the area for the foreseeable future.

“While the cause of the fire remains under investigation, it appears to be accidental in nature,” Chief LeClaire said. “Thank you to our surrounding fire departments for their immediate assistance both at the scene and covering our station.”

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