For Immediate Release

Thursday, June 29, 2017

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

Stoneham Fire Department Extinguishes House Fire that Leaves Four Displaced

STONEHAM — Chief Matt Grafton reports that the Stoneham Fire Department extinguished a one-alarm fire last night that left four residents displaced.

On June 28, just before 9:30 p.m., Stoneham Fire responded to 178 Park St. for a report of a house fire.

Upon arrival, firefighters were met with heavy smoke from the third floor of the single-family wood frame home.

Because Stoneham’s ladder truck was in the shop for repairs, the Wakefield Fire Department sent its Ladder 1 to assist. Stoneham’s Engine 2, 3 and 4 responded, along with Winchester’s Engine 2 as the Rapid Intervention Team.

The four residents of the home were alerted to the fire after losing power. When looking for the source of the problem, they realized a fire had started on the third floor, and immediately called 911 and exited the home.

Firefighters made an aggressive attack on the third floor while crews from Wakefield cut a hole in the roof for ventilation. Due to their quick work, they were able to prevent the fire from extending into the walls of the balloon frame home.

No one was injured.

“With the heat and smoke, it was a challenge for crews to get up to the third floor, but they were able to quickly get the situation under control,” Chief Grafton said. “They did a really nice job and we’re thankful no one was injured.”

Chief Grafton would like to commend of Capt. Jim Marshall and Lt. Rob Dalis, as well as the members of Group 1 for their quick actions and hard work. He would also like to thank the Stoneham Police Department and Action Ambulance for their assistance last night, along with the Stoneham Auxiliary Fire Department, which provided lighting for firefighters as they worked.

The third floor sustained heavy fire damage and the remainder of the house had smoke and water damage. Chief Grafton estimates damage to be between $30,000 to $40,000. The home is currently uninhabitable and the Red Cross is working with the four residents to find housing.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Stoneham Fire and Police Investigation Team.

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