A devastating fire in Spencer, Massachusetts, led to the destruction of two homes and damaged a third this past Sunday. The fire, which started at a house on East Avenue, presented unique challenges to firefighters, who were greeted by fireworks going off as they tackled the flames. According to Spencer Fire Chief Robert Parsons, "They had a lot of propane tanks in the basement that were going off and they had a lot of fireworks in the home that were shooting off at us as we were trying to fight the fire," as reported by NBC10 Boston.
The explosive situation quickly spread to a neighboring home, engulfing it in flames along with a shed. Justin Peck, the owner of the neighboring home, was informed of the incident while at the hospital with his wife. He told NBC10 Boston, "My neighbor called me and said my house is on fire and I need to get home." With the holiday season in full swing, Peck lamented the timing of the catastrophe and the loss of irreplaceable memories.
As firefighters battled the blaze in severe cold, they also faced the challenge of accessing water, as 85% of the community lacks hydrants. NBC10 Boston reported that the absence of strong winds prevented the fire from causing even more damage. While it is unclear whether Peck's house is a total loss, there is hope that some belongings may be salvageable.
Furthermore, the incident took a toll on the emergency crews, with two firefighters falling through the ice while attempting to source water from Thompson Pond, according to CBS News Boston. Despite their fall, the firefighters were not hurt. While the bitter cold complicated the firefighting efforts, assistance arrived from neighboring communities such as Oakham, Leicester, Sturbridge, Brookfield, and Rutland.
The cause of the Spencer fire is still under investigation, with the State Fire Marshal's office aiding local police and fire departments. Thankfully, there were no reported injuries from the fire, and Peck's dog survived the ordeal. As Peck resolves to stay strong for his wife and continue to pray for all affected, the community has been reminded of the fragility of peace during the holiday season.
