Attleboro Fire Department Extinguishes Two-Alarm House Fire Amid Challenging Conditions

ATTLEBORO — The Attleboro Fire Department overcame deep snow, live electrical wires, and frozen fire hydrants early Wednesday as firefighters searched a burning home and extinguished a two-alarm fire. 

On Wednesday, Feb. 25, at approximately 5:25 a.m., the Attleboro Fire Department was dispatched to 263 Thacher St., for a report of a structure fire with a resident unaccounted for. 

Upon arrival, crews encountered heavy fire showing from the home. Firefighters immediately initiated an aggressive interior and exterior fire attack, while additional crews conducted a primary search for the missing resident. During the search, multiple pets were located inside the home; unfortunately, they did not survive. The homeowner was later confirmed not to be home at the time of the fire.

Operations were significantly complicated by challenging weather conditions. Deep snow hindered movement around the property, and live electrical wires were down in the area.

Establishing a water supply proved difficult, as four fire hydrants in the immediate area had to be dug out by firefighters, who then discovered all four hydrants were frozen. A tanker truck from the Rehoboth Fire Department was requested to assist with water supply operations. Firefighters were eventually able to secure a functioning hydrant and maintain sustained fire suppression efforts.

“Fireground operations were difficult to say the least,” said District Chief Michael Maitland. “Deep, heavy snow made movement challenging, hydrants were frozen, and downed live wires created additional hazards. Our crews adjusted tactics as conditions changed and were able to successfully extinguish the fire despite these obstacles.”

During operations, one firefighter was transported to an area hospital with severe dehydration and later released.

The Attleboro Fire Investigation Unit responded to the scene to determine the cause of the fire. The investigation remains ongoing; however, early findings indicate the fire may have originated on the exterior of the home near the electrical meter.

Companies remained on scene until approximately 8 a.m.

Firefighters from North Attleboro, Norton, Seekonk, Plainville, and Mansfield provided mutual aid, and the Providence Canteen supported firefighters at the scene. 

“The storm this week has created extremely difficult working conditions for Attleboro’s firefighters. Waist-high snow in some areas, narrowed roadways, frozen hydrants, and hazardous electrical conditions all added to the complexity of this incident,” said Fire Chief Scott T. LaChance. “Despite these challenges, our crews conducted a thorough search, extinguished the fire, and ensured medical care for one of our own. Their dedication to each other and to the residents of this city is second to none.”

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