For Immediate Release

Friday, Jan. 27, 2017

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 781-533-9398
Email: john@jgpr.net

Stoneham Fire Department Extinguishes Two-Alarm Apartment Fire

STONEHAM — Fire Chief Matthew Grafton reports that the Stoneham Fire Department extinguished a two-alarm fire at an apartment complex this afternoon.

At 1:04 p.m., the Stoneham Fire Department received a report of a fire at the Colonial Court Apartments, in building 10 — a three-story brick building with 11 apartments.

Upon arrival, firefighters learned that plumbers were repairing a pipe in the ceiling of unit 75, a basement apartment, when their torch ignited insulation.

The fire extended through the ceiling and up the walls into the above unit, number 79.

A second alarm was ordered. Along with Stoneham’s Engine 2 and 3, and Ladder 1, crews from Woburn, Melrose, Winchester, Reading and Wakefield responded to the scene. Medford and Malden fire departments covered the Stoneham station.

Building 10 was evacuated during the incident. At the time, no one was home in unit 79 and the resident in unit 75 was outside upon firefighters’ arrival.

Crews were able to make an aggressive attack and quickly put out the fire. Unit 79 sustained substantial smoke and water damage, and repairs are currently being made. The resident in unit 75 will be displaced overnight while repairs to the unit are made.

No one was injured.

“The fire was small in nature, but was on its way to becoming a larger fire,” Chief Grafton said. “We were able to prevent the fire from spreading to the attic and further damaging the building. Thanks to all those who were on scene.”

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