A two-family home in Westminster was engulfed in flames early yesterday morning, causing significant damage, though no human injuries were reported. According to a post on the Westminster, MA Fire Department's Facebook page, the incident, labeled as Fire Incident #24-1865, prompted a significant response from neighboring fire departments due to its intensity and the lack of local fire hydrants.
The blaze at 238 South Ashburnham Road was reported at 07:32 a.m., and first responders were on scene within mere minutes. The arriving units faced advanced fire and smoky conditions on the second floor, necessitating a second and a third alarm to rally additional support. Tanker trucks were deployed to shuttle water from a mile up the road as the area lacks fire hydrants. Firefighters began the battle against the fire from outside the residence before attempting an interior assault, a move that proved untenable as the flames spread throughout the second floor, ultimately pushing the crews outside to continue extinguishing efforts from a safer vantage point.
Over the course of the day, the operations continued, with parts of the building's exterior being demolished to create access for the firefighters to safely reach and quell remaining hotspots. In their update, the Westminster Fire Department noted that the collaborative efforts included multiple agencies such as Fitchburg, Leominster, Gardner, and Ashburnham among others, with additional coverage provided by Leominster and Winchendon engine companies.
Unfortunately, the home’s occupants suffered the loss of several pets due to the blaze. While no civilian or fire service injuries were reported, the emotional toll of such losses weighs heavy on a community. As per the Westminster Fire Department, the cause of the fire is still under investigation by the State Police and the Fire District 8 Fire Investigation Unit but is believed to be accidental at this time.
