Massachusetts
Explosions reported at Massachusetts fire, one resident injured in blaze
Firefighters extinguished a house blaze that injured a resident on Wednesday after “explosions” reportedly fueled the fire.
Gloucester firefighters responded to 20 Marina Drive for a report of a structure fire at around 10:39 a.m., as the two-story, single-family home with an attached garage was fully involved with fire.
A resident who evacuated the home on his own was reportedly injured, and he was taken to Beverly Hospital for treatment.
Upon arrival, firefighters used two, 2 1/2 inch hose lines to knock down the main body of the fire before entering the garage to contain the flames to the attached garage.
“Several flammable containers and an oxygen tank burned inside the garage, causing what appeared to be small explosions as the gases in the containers vented and fueled the fire,” fire officials said in a statement.
The main body of the fire was knocked down by 11:09 a.m., and the fire was fully under control by about 11:20 a.m.
The home’s attached garage is likely a total loss, officials said. The rest of the home suffered smoke damage.
The family that lives in the home will be displaced, and will reportedly stay with family in the area.
“Crews did an outstanding job attending to the victim and knocking the fire down quickly,” said Fire Chief Eric Smith. “We’re hoping his injuries are minor and that he is released soon.”
The cause remains under investigation by the Gloucester Fire Department, but it appears welding may have been involved.
Rockport firefighters covered Gloucester stations while companies battled the blaze, and eventually responded to the scene to provide additional manpower.
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