For Immediate Release

Friday, Nov. 16, 2018

Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: ben@jgpr.net

*UPDATED*

VIDEO: Rockland Firefighters Rescue Two from Two-Alarm House Fire

ROCKLAND — Chief Scott Duffey reports that the Rockland Fire Department rescued two residents, ages 16 and 19, from a third floor apartment during a two-alarm house fire Friday morning.

The Rockland Fire Department responded at approximately 8:30 a.m. Friday after receiving a call for a house fire at a multi-family home at 77 Division St.

Upon arrival, firefighters saw a 16-year-old girl yelling for help from a third floor window as heavy smoke billowed out.

Rockland firefighters quickly sprang into action and put a ladder up to the window. The firefighters climbed the ladder and were able to help the girl out of the window and onto the ladder. The girl climbed down to safety with the assistance of the firefighters.

Inside the building, firefighters entered the third floor apartment where they found a 19-year-old woman who had been trying to locate the door, but was unable to do so because of the thick smoke. Firefighters helped the woman out of the apartment and to safety outside.

Both residents were taken by Rockand Fire Department ambulance to South Shore Hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation. They are expected to fully recover.

“Thanks to the quick actions of our firefighters we were able to get these two girls to safety. The apartment was full of smoke by the time we arrived and the girls were unable to get out,” Chief Duffey said. “I want to commend the brave work of the responding firefighters for the great job they did today.”

Due to personnel being utilized during the rescue efforts, Chief Duffey called for a second alarm and mutual aid from fire departments in Abington, Hanover, Whitman, Norwell, Hingham, Hanson and Randolph responded to assist on the call.

The fire is believed to have originated in the kitchen and it took firefighters about a half-hour to fully put out the flames. The cause of the fire is under investigation, but the initial investigation indicates that it is accidental.

No other occupants of the three-family home were inside at the time of the fire. Multiple dogs and birds were also rescued from the home and taken into the custody of the Rockland Animal Control Officer.

The fire was contained to the kitchen, largely due to a water pipe that had melted in the flames.

“This could have been a lot worse if that pipe had not melted,” Chief Duffey said. “The pipe acted as a sprinkler system would, keeping the flames down until we arrived on scene.”

The occupants of all three units will be displaced due to smoke and water damage throughout the building. The American Red Cross responded to provide assistance.

Chief Duffey estimated the damage to the building at $70,000.

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