East Bridgewater Firefighters Battle Two-Alarm Condo Fire, Third Blaze in Four Days

East Bridgewater firefighters battled a two-alarm blaze that broke out in the attic of an eight-unit condominium building at 8 Andrew Road on Saturday, Feb. 21. (Photo Courtesy MassFirePics)

EAST BRIDGEWATER — The East Bridgewater Fire Department responded to a two-alarm fire Saturday night at an eight-unit condominium building, the department’s third structure fire in three days.

On Saturday, Feb. 21, at 6:59 p.m., crews were dispatched to 8 Andrew Road after receiving multiple 911 calls reporting smoke in a 2 1/2-story residential building.

Upon arrival, firefighters observed smoke inside the building and traced the fire to the finished attic of one of the middle units in the row of eight condominiums.

The fire presented significant challenges due to its location in the attic and the risk of extension into neighboring units, as well as being further complicated by solar panels covering the front portion of the roof. Ground conditions prevented crews from positioning the department’s tower ladder at the rear of the building. Firefighters used ground ladders to access the uncovered portion of the roof and chainsaws to cut into the roof to allow for ventilation.

Firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze and limit damage to three units, preventing further spread through the building.

The residents of the three affected units were displaced due to smoke, fire and water damage.

The West Bridgewater, Bridgewater, Halifax, Abington, Rockland and Brockton Fire Departments provided mutual aid at the scene. Off-duty East Bridgewater Fire personnel were also called in. Hanson Fire provided station coverage.

The East Bridgewater Police Department also assisted by clearing adjacent units.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the East Bridgewater Fire Department with assistance from the state fire marshal’s office. Preliminary findings suggest the fire may be electrical in nature.

Crews cleared the scene shortly after 10 p.m. on Saturday.

“This was a difficult fire to access, with a real risk of spreading through multiple units,” Chief Dzialo said. “Our firefighters worked quickly to contain it, and we are grateful for the support from our off-duty personnel and mutual aid partners, especially with this being our third fire in four days.”

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