FITCHBURG, Mass. — Fitchburg Fire Department has provided an update regarding a three-alarm porch fire that injured 4 people, including 1 with serious injuries.
On Sunday morning, December 23, fire crews reported a porch fire on 153 Ashburnham Street. Fire crews arrived to find heavy smoke and fire from the rear of the home. Crews were able to rescue 2 from the home, including using a ladder to save one of the residents from the second floor.
The fire quickly spread from the back of the building to the main home which led to all individuals being displaced. The Red Cross and Massachusetts Salvation Army are helping to support them.
Both residents were transported to the hospital for evaluation, but one of them was later med-flighted to a Boston hospital for serious injuries. A third person and a firefighter were also transported to the hospital but are expected to recover.
“This is a terrible time of year for an event like this,” said Fitchburg Fire Chief Suarez. “Our hearts go out to the people who were injured and the families that lost their homes.”
The initial cause of the fire is still under investigation, but officials believe that a space heater and smoking materials on the rear porch are factors.
From 2019 to 2023, space heaters are the second leading cause of residential fires in Massachusetts.
“If you use a space heater at home, please be sure to keep anything that can burn at least three feet away on all sides,” State Fire Marshal Davine said. “Plug it directly into a wall outlet, not a power strip or extension cord, and always turn it off when you leave the room or go to sleep.”
To learn more about keeping warm during the grueling winter conditions, visit https://www.mass.gov/info-details/winter-home-heating-safety.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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