Randolph Fire Department Battles Basement Fire

Randolph firefighters responded to a basement fire at 439 N. Main St. on Sunday, Feb. 22. (Photo Courtesy Randolph Fire Department)

RANDOLPH — Chief Ronald Cassford reports that the Randolph Fire Department responded to a basement fire on North Main Street late Sunday afternoon.

At approximately 4:45 p.m., on Sunday, Feb. 22, Randolph firefighters responded to a 911 call for a house fire at 439 N. Main St., after smoke was observed in the basement of the 2 1/2-story home. Upon arrival, Randolph Fire crews saw smoke pouring out of the building and then found an occupant at a basement door of the home using a fire extinguisher in an attempt to put out the fire.

Fire crews immediately brought a hose to the basement door and quickly extinguished the fire.

The fire caused significant smoke damage and some water damage to the basement.

Two residents were home at the time of the fire. Both were unharmed by the blaze, including the resident who tried unsuccessfully to put out the fire with a fire extinguisher. The two residents were displaced as a result of the blaze.

An initial investigation indicates that a malfunctioning electrical device was the cause of the fire. The fire remains under investigation by the Randolph Fire Department Investigation Unit.

No firefighters were injured as a result of the blaze.

Holbrook Fire provided a mutual aid ambulance to respond to another call for a medical incident in Randolph at the time of the basement fire.

Chief Cassford credited Randolph firefighters for quickly extinguishing the blaze and preventing further damage to the property and danger to the residents.

“Thanks to the fast action of Randolph firefighters, the fire was contained to the basement and prevented from spreading to the upper floors of the home,” Chief Cassford said. “Our crews made a swift interior attack and brought the situation under control quickly. This incident is a reminder that if a fire cannot be immediately extinguished with a fire extinguisher, residents should safely evacuate the area and wait for firefighters to arrive.”

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