A two-alarm fire tore through a North Reading house late Monday night, leaving the unoccupied home badly damaged but sparing anyone from injury. The family was confirmed to be out of town when the fire started, and firefighters kept the flames from pushing into the main living areas, although the structure will still need extensive repairs.
Crews Rush to Wright Street Fire
On Monday, May 25, at about 11:32 p.m., firefighters were dispatched to 22 Wright St. for a reported house fire and arrived to find heavy fire pouring from the rear of the building and extending into the roof, according to the North Reading Fire Department. Engine crews quickly struck a second alarm to bring in more personnel and equipment, then stretched a line to the back of the home to mount an aggressive attack, the department said.
Staffing, Mutual Aid Credited With Fast Knockdown
“I would like to recognize the effort of all crews in fighting this fire,” Chief Don Stats said, noting that recent staffing increases meant multiple companies could get to work right away on different critical tasks that helped limit damage, according to the North Reading Fire Department. Mutual-aid companies from Middleton, Wilmington, Lynnfield, Reading and Wakefield responded to assist at the scene, while Armstrong Ambulance and Rehab 5 provided medical support and Tewksbury and Andover covered North Reading’s fire stations.
Cause Still Under Investigation
The cause of the blaze remains under investigation by North Reading fire officials and the State Police Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit attached to the State Fire Marshal's Office, as reported by Boston 25 News. Investigators have not yet released any findings.
Town’s Expanded Fire Force Put to the Test
Town records show North Reading has been steadily beefing up its fire staffing and equipment. The town’s 2024 annual report notes that the Select Board approved four additional firefighter positions for FY25 and highlights recent hiring and training efforts, according to the North Reading 2024 annual report. That stronger roster, combined with mutual aid, helped crews get hoselines in place quickly and stop the fire from spreading into the home’s main living spaces, cutting down on the worst of the interior damage.
Fire Officials Urge Home Safety Checks
In the wake of the fire, officials are reminding residents to use this as a nudge to check their own homes. The State Fire Marshal’s office recommends testing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms when clocks change and replacing any units older than 10 years, according to Mass.gov. Residents are also encouraged to keep escape routes clear and follow updates from local news outlets and the town’s official emergency channels for future advisories.
