MIDDLEBORO, Mass. — A Massachusetts State Police trooper was the first to respond to a fire in Middleboro overnight Tuesday, where he helped save a resident from the burning building.
Middleborough: 285 West Grove St, heavy fire in an occupied dwelling, reports the Massachusetts State police assisted residence out of the building, roadway closed avoid area, fire appears to be knocked down #Boston25 pic.twitter.com/7Hyz6iHdt9
— Mark Parkinson (@MParkBoston25) February 22, 2022
Middleboro Fire Chief Lance Benjamino told Boston 25 News they were alerted to the fire at 285 West Grove Street at approximately 1:12 a.m. Tuesday.
When trooper John Hagerty arrived at the scene, he found a ladder nearby, laid it against one of the house’s windows, and helped a resident out of a third-floor bedroom that was on the backside of the house.
#breaking - @MassStatePolice in Middleboro spotted fire (right near barracks) arrived first, helped save man trapped on upper floor, per Middleboro Fire Dept. 13 people lived here, mostly veterans. Rescued man taken to RI hospital with serious burns. @boston25 pic.twitter.com/NCGOhS6Zym
— Evan White (@EvanWhiteIII) February 22, 2022
“It made a difference between life and death with that gentleman who was rescued,” Benjamino said.
It took 45 minutes to gain control of the fire, according to the department. Heavy damage had already been done to the second and third floors on the left side of the building, with smoke and water damage to the right.
The trooper barracks is less than 700 feet from the fire scene. A trooper was first on scene, per FD & rescued a man from the third floor. #middleboro @boston25 pic.twitter.com/LD6F5m4uI0
— Evan White (@EvanWhiteIII) February 22, 2022
Benjamino confirmed that that person was taken to a Rhode Island hospital for serious burns and is in the intensive care unit.
Authorities say there were at least 13 people inside the building, with many of them being veterans, and the owner lived on the other side of the house.
West Grove St still shutdown in Middleboro due to fire investigation near trooper barracks. Fire call 1:10 a.m. @boston25 @CatherineNews pic.twitter.com/4qkgYsFi5O
— Evan White (@EvanWhiteIII) February 22, 2022
Benjamino says no issues while fighting the fire. The house was large and required a second search.
Lakeville, Carver, and Raynham offered mutual aid at the scene.
Firefighters encountered heavy fire on the first floor before entering the house. Shortly after, they had to exit due to the flames being too intense.
Benjamino says no firefighters were injured. According to the State Fire Marshal’s office, the fire started with an unattended candle in a living room on the second floor.
“We want to remind everyone to extinguish candles and incense before leaving the room or going to sleep,” said State Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey, “given the early hour, we’re very lucky more people weren’t injured or worse.”
Boston 25 News attempted to interview the trooper but was told by a spokesman that Hagerty worked overnight and had gone home for the day.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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