For Immediate Release

Friday, April 7, 2017

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 978-841-9948
Email: john@jgpr.net

Fourteen Displaced in Early Morning Taunton Fire

TAUNTON – Chief Timothy Bradshaw reports the Taunton Fire Department extinguished a multi-unit house fire that displaced 14 residents early this morning.

Around 4 a.m., the Taunton Fire Department responded to a five-unit home at 219 High St. on a report of a fire.

Taunton’s Engine 1, 3, 4, 5 and 9 arrived on scene along with Ladder 2. The 14 residents of the building were outside or making their way out of the home, as working smoke detectors had alerted them to the fire.

An elderly man and woman who lived in the house were transported to Morton Hospital with injuries that are not believed to be life threatening.

Firefighters were met with heavy fire in the basement of the three-story wood frame home, and a second alarm was called.

The Dighton Fire Department responded to the scene to assist while the Raynham, Norton and Berkley Fire Departments covered the Taunton stations.

Firefighters entered the basement and knocked down the fire, which had made its way into the chimney chase and then extended through the three floors of the home.

Crews attempted to extinguish the blaze on the first, second and third floors, but because the fire had spread into the walls, they were forced to withdraw and make a defensive attack outside.

Once the fire was under control, crews reentered the home to put out hot spots and overhaul the interior. They cleared the scene around 11 a.m.

One firefighter was evaluated and released on scene.

“We’re thankful that the home had working smoke detectors, which absolutely contributed to saving the lives of all the residents inside,” Chief Bradshaw said. “I would like to thank our neighboring fire departments who assisted us on and off scene.”

Officials have deemed the house a total loss. The American Red Cross is working with the 14 residents who are now displaced.

The fire remains under investigation by the Taunton Fire Department and the Massachusetts State Police assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s Office.

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