Wakefield Fire Department Extinguishes House Fire on New Year’s Day

WAKEFIELD — Chief Thomas M. Purcell reports that the Wakefield Fire Department extinguished a house fire on New Year’s Day.

On Jan. 1 at about 9:27 p.m., Wakefield Fire was dispatched to 12 Montclare Ave. for reports of a house fire. On arrival, crews had smoke showing from the home. Upon investigation and assistance from Wakefield Police, firefighters found the fire to be in the basement of the home.

One resident was home at the time of the fire and had exited the home on their own.

Car 3 then arrived on scene, assumed command, and declared a working fire. Firefighters on Ladder 1 conducted a primary search of the home and were alerted that a dog was still in the house. Crews were able to safely rescue the dog.

Engine 2 quickly stretched a handline into the basement to extinguish the heavy body of fire.

A water supply was established from a nearby hydrant by Engine 1. Crews were able to quickly knock down the fire and contain it to the basement.

The lone occupant of the home was transported by Cataldo Ambulance to a nearby hospital with minor injuries and was later released. The home was deemed uninhabitable, and the resident was assisted by the Department in securing the property and with housing.

Stoneham Fire provided mutual aid to the scene, and Reading Fire covered at Wakefield headquarters. The scene was cleared at approximately 11 p.m.

“Due to the diligence and quick response from our crews, we were able to maintain control and keep this to a working fire,” said Chief Purcell. “Thanks goes to the strong work of our firefighters and to our mutual aid partners.”

The fire remains under investigation by Wakefield Fire.

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