A fast-moving fire ripped through a three-family house on Myrtle Avenue in Fitchburg on Wednesday morning, trapping a man who had to be pulled from a second-floor window and taken to a nearby hospital for evaluation. The blaze caused heavy damage and left three families, seven people in all, temporarily homeless. City officials said the American Red Cross is working with the displaced residents while investigators comb the scene.
Rescue and response
Fitchburg Fire Chief Dante Suarez told WHDH that crews arrived to flames pouring from the building, launched a primary search and found the victim on the second floor. Firefighters used a ground ladder to remove him, then transported him for evaluation. The Boston Globe reported that crews were dispatched at about 8:37 a.m. to the corner of Myrtle and Pearl streets near Fitchburg State University and that police had already evacuated residents and two dogs before firefighters arrived.
Investigation and aid
The State Fire Marshal's Office and Fitchburg investigators were on scene, searching through the rubble to determine where the fire started and how, as reported by WCVB. WCVB also noted the city has seen several smaller fires in recent days, and investigators could not immediately say whether any of them are connected. The Red Cross is assisting the seven people who lived in the building while the city assesses longer term housing options.
Safety reminders
Officials urged residents to check smoke detectors and use caution with space heaters and other portable heating devices during cold weather. Heating equipment is a leading cause of winter fires, as outlined by the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services. A formal origin and cause finding will be released once State Fire Marshal investigators complete their probe.
