Gloucester Fire Department Extinguishes House Fire Caused by Careless Disposal of Smoking Materials

Gloucester Fire was dispatched to 324 Washington St. following reports of a working structure fire on Saturday morning. Crews knocked down exterior flames on the second floor of the home. (Photo Courtesy Gloucester Fire Department). 

GLOUCESTER — Chief Eric L. Smith reports that the Gloucester Fire Department extinguished a small fire at a Washington Street home early Saturday morning.

On Saturday, April 26, at 5:11 a.m., Gloucester Fire was dispatched to 324 Washington St. following reports of a structure fire.

At 5:16 a.m., Gloucester Fire Department’s Car 3 arrived on scene and reported a working fire of a 2 ½-story wood frame home.

Rockport Engine 3 was called in to cover Gloucester Fire Headquarters, and Beauport Ambulance Service’s Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulance responded to the scene and remained on standby.

Gloucester Fire’s Car 4 responded to the scene. Engine 2 and Engine 5 were also dispatched to the scene, while Engine 4 provided station coverage.

Members from Engine 5 knocked down the bulk of the fire from the outside, and crews checked for an interior extension of the fire. 

The cause of Saturday morning’s fire was determined to be careless disposal of smoking materials. No injuries were reported.

“It was a small fire, and we knocked it down quickly following a rapid response and a great stop by our personnel,” said Chief Smith. “More importantly, the Gloucester Fire Department reminds residents of the dangers of careless disposal of cigarettes, which was the cause of this exterior siding fire. Careless smoking and disposal are still a significant cause of fires inside and outside the home, and also along the side of the road, in the woods, etc.”

The lack of rain and strong winds in recent weeks has also led to ripe environmental fire conditions.

“Dry conditions and an ongoing drought have increased the fire risk,” said Chief Smith. “We ask that smokers properly dispose of all smoking materials and not just discard them outside.”

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