For Immediate Release

Thurssday, July 28, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 781-533-9398
Email: john@jgpr.net

Groton Police and Fire Respond to Fire at Local Pediatric Center

GROTON —  Fire Chief Steele McCurdy and Police Chief Donald Palma Jr. report that the Groton Police and Fire departments worked together to effectively extinguish a fire and conduct a partial evacuation of a local pediatric care facility today.

At approximately 1:50 p.m., Groton Communications received a call for a working fire at Seven Hills Pediatric Center, 22 Hillside Ave. Upon arrival, firefighters found smoke and flames in the elevator shaft, which they quickly extinguished. Police officers assisted Seven Hills staff in a partial evacuation of the building, escorting 12 residents out of the affected wing. Seventy residents remained in their rooms and were not affected by the fire.

No injuries were reported and all patients and residents evacuated were allowed to return safely to the building after the area was cleaned and repaired.

Fire departments from Littleton, Ayer and Pepperell provided mutual aid on scene, while the Westford Fire Department covered the Groton fire station.

“I am very pleased with the effectiveness of today’s collaboration between our departments,” Chief Palma said. “Police and fire worked quickly and efficiently to ensure the safety of Seven Hills’ patients and secure the building.”

“We would like to thank all responding departments who provided mutual aid and coverage today,” added Chief McCurdy. “Effective communication strategies, like those executed today, allow public safety officers to keep their community and surrounding communities safe.”

The cause and origin of the fire remain under investigation by the Groton Fire Department.

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