For Immediate Release

Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2018

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

Gloucester Fire Department Battles 2-Alarm House Fire

GLOUCESTER — Chief Eric Smith reports that the Gloucester Fire Department extinguished a two-alarm house fire yesterday evening.

At approximately 7:11 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 8, the Gloucester Fire Department began receiving multiple 911 calls reporting a house fire on Rockport Road. Upon arrival, firefighters observed heavy flames showing from the roof and top floor of the two-story wood-frame structure.

Due to the heavy volume of fire, weather conditions and the densely populated neighborhood, a second alarm was called. Crews from the Rockport, Beverly and Essex Fire Departments responded for mutual aid.

Firefighters from Hamilton, Wenham and Ipswich provided station coverage during firefighting operations.

Firefighters were able to knock the flames down after approximately 45 minutes, but remained on scene searching for hot spots for several hours. Multiple firefighters reported minor injuries due to slips and falls from the icy conditions.

Three residents were home when the fire broke out, but were able to safely evacuate after being alerted to the fire by smoke detectors.

The home sustained significant damage worth an estimated $350,000, and was deemed uninhabitable. Two of the residents are staying at a local hotel and the third resident, an elderly woman, was relocated to a nursing home.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Gloucester Fire Department.

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