Gloucester Fire Department Extinguishes Chimney Fire that Extended into Wall of Home

The Gloucester Fire Department extinguished a chimney fire that extended into the wall of a home at 160 Washington St. on Sunday, April 13. (Photo Courtesy Gloucester Fire Department)

GLOUCESTER — Fire Chief Eric Smith reports that the Gloucester Fire Department responded on Sunday to a chimney fire in a home on Washington Street.

On Sunday, April 13, at approximately 8 p.m., the Gloucester Fire Department was called to 160 Washington St., for a report of a chimney fire that extended into a wall, framing and siding of the home.

Amid rain showers, Gloucester firefighters cut open an exterior wall from the ground and then quickly attacked the hidden fire. Firefighters then overhauled the impacted area inside the wall, extinguishing the fire before it spread throughout the single-family home, a wood frame structure that was constructed in 1860.

The fire was under control shortly after companies arrived on scene.

The chimney and firebox chamber within the fireplace of the home were both missing grout, which allowed heat to escape into the wall, causing the fire to ignite and spread.

The family that lived at the home safely evacuated the building before firefighters arrived on scene.

“A light amount of smoke spread inside the building, gaining their attention,” Chief Smith said.

Three Gloucester fire engines, a ladder truck, a rescue squad and a shift commander all responded to the scene.

The Rockport Fire Department provided station coverage. An ambulance from Beauport Ambulance Service was on standby at the scene.

The Gloucester Building Inspector also responded to the scene. The residents of the Washington Street home were told not to use the fireplace again until grouting is reapplied, and the chimney is inspected.

“The quick work by our firefighters in these wet, cold conditions prevented this fire from spreading,” Chief Smith said. “Rapid access into the wall made sure this remained a minor fire. All things being said, this was excellent work by our Gloucester firefighters, saving this property from major damage.”

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Gloucester firefighters cut open an exterior wall from the ground and then quickly attacked the hidden fire. (Courtesy Gloucester Fire Department)